Fin Smith and Maro Itoje have laughed off their on-pitch disagreement, turning the exchange into a running gag in England's camp ahead of their final Six Nations match against France. The 25-year-old fly-half, standing at 5ft 11in and 13st 13lb with 15 caps, joked that any future shouting matches with the 6ft 5in, 18st 8lb lock would be settled physically rather than verbally.

Itoje, who has 101 caps for England, insisted his raised voice during their exchange wasn't a loss of temper but rather a rare glimpse behind his usually composed public persona. The Saracens star explained that he actively seeks input from key decision-makers like Smith, emphasizing that open communication between teammates represents healthy team dynamics rather than discord.

The pair's lighthearted handling of the incident contrasts sharply with England's Six Nations campaign, which has seen them suffer three consecutive defeats and face the prospect of finishing with just one win from the tournament. Such a result would mark England's worst Six Nations performance since the competition expanded in 2000, matching their lowest points returns from 1972 and 1976.