During the intense mid-season international game at the Stade Ernest-Wallon, England secured a 40-8 victory over France. However, considerable criticism has been directed towards Harry Smith’s kicking performance. Initially, the French side displayed strength, with Fouad Yaha scoring an early try and Arthur Mourgue adding a penalty goal, placing them in an initial 8-0 lead. Nevertheless, England regained control through Smith’s tactical kicking, ultimately outmaneuvering the French team.
Whilst Smith’s overall play kicking demonstrated his abilities, such as a well-placed grubber kick that led to a try, his goal-kicking displayed inconsistency. He managed to convert only four out of eight attempts, keeping France in the game longer than necessary. Pundit Paul Cooke, speaking on the Super League+ coverage of the game, expressed disappointment with Smith’s performance from the kicking tee, describing it as a “shocker.” Cooke suggested that England would have had a greater advantage had Smith been more accurate with his goal kicks.
Smith faces competition at the club level from his teammate, Adam Keighran, who is also a skilled goal-kicker. Smith has accumulated 33 successful goals in the Super League this season, but has also missed 11 attempts, while Keighran has achieved 24 goals with only 2 misses. Smith has acknowledged the need to improve his goal-kicking, and England will be looking to him to do so, as missed conversions could be crucial in future games against tougher opponents.