Marcus Smith is expected to start at full-back for England in Saturday’s Six Nations clash with France at Allianz Stadium, with Northampton’s Fin Smith set to make his first Test start at fly-half. If confirmed, this will mark a significant shift in England’s backline strategy, as Marcus Smith has been a mainstay at number 10 for the past eight games.
Fin Smith’s First Start for England
At just 22, Fin Smith is poised to take on the fly-half role after coming off the bench in all seven of his previous England caps. His promotion to the starting XV has been widely anticipated following his solid performances in recent matches, where his composure and decision-making have impressed coaches.
England’s senior coach, Richard Wigglesworth, spoke highly of Fin Smith’s contributions, saying: “There is something about him. He is supremely composed and always picks the right options to keep the team moving forward in attack.”
Marcus Smith’s Role at Full-Back
The switch of Marcus Smith to full-back has raised some concerns, as it places England’s most reliable game-breaker further from the action. Critics argue that this could limit Smith’s impact on the game, particularly against France, who are likely to exploit his position with high balls, as Ireland did successfully in their recent Six Nations victory over England.
Despite the criticism, Wigglesworth is optimistic about the change, emphasising that the team needs to find the right balance between consistency and tactical flexibility.
“Switching Marcus Smith to full-back would be a change for him, but we believe it is the best option for this match,” Wigglesworth said. “The key now is for the team to work together and perform at the highest level.”
England’s Struggles and the Road Ahead
England’s loss to Ireland left them with a record seven-match losing streak against tier-one nations, a situation that coach Steve Borthwick and his team are eager to rectify. Borthwick acknowledged the pressure, saying: “We are the England rugby team, and we want to win. We know the expectations, and we’re all working towards that goal.”
Changes in the Back Row
In addition to the changes in the backline, England are also set to make adjustments in the back row. Tom Willis is understood to be in line for a first Test start at number eight, with Wigglesworth hinting at further rotations to get the right combination against France.
“We need to make sure we select the right team to beat France,” he said. “Consistency is key, but so is getting the right team on the field. We’re focused on finding the balance and building the cohesion needed to succeed.”
Looking Ahead to the Match
France arrive at Twickenham with confidence, following a commanding 53-10 victory over Wales in round one of the Six Nations. The French team will be looking to repeat their dominant performance from two years ago, where they thrashed England 53-10 at the same venue.
With a 16:45 GMT kick-off on Saturday, all eyes will be on whether England can turn the tide and put an end to their losing streak against the top-tier nations.
