Marcus Smith has adopted a military breathing technique to manage his anger and sought advice from Jonny Wilkinson after his goal-kicking struggles during England's summer tour. Smith missed three crucial kicks in the first Test against New Zealand in Dunedin, which England narrowly lost 16-15, marking their first defeat in New Zealand in 21 years. The 25-year-old found his form in the second Test in Auckland but England again lost a winning position, this time 24-17, leaving them with a 50% winning record for 2024 as they prepare for the upcoming autumn Tests against the All Blacks, Australia, South Africa, and Japan.
Smith is expected to continue as the starting fly-half with George Ford recovering from a thigh injury, and Steve Borthwick prioritizing continuity during a warm-weather training camp in Girona. The Harlequins fly-half has detailed the efforts he has made to enhance his accuracy from the tee. "Going into that week [in Dunedin], I was probably overthinking it," said Smith. "I don't think I kicked that well towards the back end of last season; I felt I was a bit rushed, a bit tight on the ball."
Smith has incorporated breath work into his routine, particularly during longer passages of play, to regulate his emotions and stay calm. "I have done a fair bit of breath work at the back of my run-up, especially if I am in a longer passage of play, trying to regulate my emotions and breathing so I can stay calm in that moment," he explained. "But in that specific moment, when the lads needed me most, I wasn't there. For me it is learning that breathing, relaxing and trusting my ability and my preparation. I just take a deep breath in, suck it up at the end, and then breathe out as slow as I can. I think it’s an army technique, to regulate."
This season, Smith has also benefited from the presence of Leigh Halfpenny, the former Wales and British & Irish Lions full-back who joined Harlequins as injury cover. Halfpenny's meticulous preparation and calm demeanor have impressed Smith. "At the start of this season, I felt I have been kicking well and a lot of that is down to Leigh," added Smith. "He is such a metronome off the tee, so meticulous with his preparation. I am enjoying kicking with him every single day, as well as with Jonny."
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