Mischievous Marcus Smith spotted engaging in the dark arts during All Blacks match

In hilarious scenes from the weekend, Marcus Smith was spotted stealing Caleb Clarke’s boot during a daring tackle in England’s narrow defeat to New Zealand on Saturday.

The talented fly-half had a typically impressive match, controlling the attack for the 65 minutes he was on the field, demonstrating the impressive growth in his game over the past couple of years.

Once berated as a show pony, Smith is now showing signs of becoming a complete player, demonstrating an ability to control proceedings at the highest levels of international rugby and leading a defensive line to contain even the mighty All Blacks.

Prior to being removed from the field in a controversial move by England head coach Steve Borthwick, Smith had kicked 14 points to take his side two scores ahead of the three-time world champions. Sadly for Smith and his teammates, New Zealand would return fire to take victory near the death.

Shortly after the first half, in a display of Smith’s impressive knowledge of the game, the 25-year-old involved himself in the dark arts of rugby, stripping Clarke of his right boot in a tackle before running off to the touchline to launch the footware well away from the talented winger.

Mischievous Marcus Smith taking Caleb Clarke’s boot on Saturday #ENGvsNZ pic.twitter.com/rXKMenskcU

— Jack Tunney (@JackTunneyRugby) November 4, 2024

Largely missed by the television cameras, the boot landed shortly in front of this reporter, as fans surrounding us chuckled in appreciation of the naughty effort.

While the petty theft didn’t affect the match, it did indicate the efforts that the England side would go to, to win the match. A fine display from both sides and a testament to international rugby.

Match report:

New Zealand defeated England in a thrilling test match at the newly named Allianz Stadium on Saturday in front of eighty-one thousand people.

It was a test match filled with excitement and controversy from the first minute until the 80th.

The much anticipated Haka was met with the most intense rendition of ‘Swing Low’ the stadium has heard in many years. The noise of the crowd grew to ecstatic levels as both sides encroached on each other in the first challenge of the evening.

Marcus Smith was the first to strike through the boot, setting the precedent for what would be a score-building exercise as the match wore on.

The first try came through New Zealand’s Mark Telea, finding himself on the wing with just Ellis Genge ahead of him. A neat bit of footwork and the star wide man left the English prop wanting.

Despite Marcus Smith continuing to control the England scoreline, New Zealand pushed further ahead with yet another well-worked try down Genge’s channel, with Beauden Barrett putting fullback Will Jordan through with a nicely timed switch.

The half concluded with just two points the difference, with the All Blacks looking much the more dangerous of the two sides.

The first score of the second half came following a fascinating footrace between Marcus Smith and Will Jordan. Jordan had the gas to catch up with the departing Smith, but the England fly-half had the presence of mind to look for support, eventually shifting the ball to Immanuel Feyi-Waboso to dot down.

The All Blacks would drag themselves back into the game through Damien McKenzie’s boot. As the match drew to a close the All Blacks drew level thanks to another Mark Telea try in the corner, before going ahead with the extras from Damien McKenzie.

A yellow card in the 77th minute put the All Blacks at a serious disadvantage as the game neared the finish. George Ford pinged his penalty kick off the posts, but a subsequent All-Black knock-on would allow England a scrum right in front of the posts.

A serious miscommunication between Harry Randall and his backs meant the opportunity went squandered. George Ford’s last effort drop goal would sail wide.

Final score: England 22-24 New Zealand