Steve Borthwick Faces Major Decision as He Prepares to Test Marcus Smith and Fin Smith Together for England’s Six Nations Campaign in Dublin

As England prepares for the upcoming Six Nations, Steve Borthwick is facing another pivotal decision regarding his team’s fly-half strategy.

While the Smith-and-Smith pairing may not be the long-term solution, it’s becoming increasingly likely that this temporary partnership will take center stage.

With Marcus Smith at full-back and Fin Smith stepping into the fly-half role, Borthwick is forced into action after George Furbank’s injury.

But will this short-term fix hold up in high-stakes games against Ireland and France?

Fin Smith’s Promotion to England’s Fly-Half: A Step Up from His Premiership Success?

Fin Smith, still just 22, is set to take on a more prominent role for England, having made a solid impression in the Premiership and with his club, Northampton.

His calm, organized playing style has caught the attention of Borthwick, who is ready to trust him with the responsibility of orchestrating England’s attack.

The upcoming Six Nations matches could be a real test of whether the young fly-half is ready to lead on the international stage.

Marcus Smith’s Evolution: Can the Dashing Playmaker Excel at Full-Back for England?

Though Marcus Smith has often been associated with the fly-half position, his recent move to full-back for England could be a game-changer.

Smith, known for his creative spark and ability to produce moments of magic, may be more suited to a secondary ball-playing role, with Fin Smith running the attack.

Will this new role allow Marcus to capitalize on his strengths, or could it be a risky experiment for Borthwick?

England’s No 10 Conundrum: A Return to the ‘Horses-for-Courses’ Approach?

With Borthwick’s growing uncertainty over England’s best fly-half, the approach to selection could shift once again.

Some might call it indecisiveness, while others could see it as a clever tactic to pick the right player for the right moment.

Much like South Africa’s flexible approach, Borthwick may look at each game individually, rotating his fly-halves based on the opposition and situation.

The Smith Brothers: Can They Deliver a Winning Formula for England?

As Borthwick prepares to test the Smith-and-Smith duo, it’s unclear whether this partnership will bring the consistency England needs.

Fin’s steady, calm demeanor contrasts with Marcus’s risk-taking and flair, making the pairing an interesting one.

With limited preparation time before facing top-tier teams like Ireland and France, the success of this experiment remains to be seen.

Will England Rely on Marcus Smith’s Creativity or Fin Smith’s Leadership in Six Nations?

Marcus Smith’s ability to create game-changing moments is undeniable.

But his occasional inconsistency has raised concerns.

Meanwhile, Fin Smith has shown the poise and tactical awareness that England might need to thrive in tight matches.

Will Borthwick lean on Marcus’ unpredictability, or will he turn to Fin’s more measured approach in their upcoming Six Nations opener against Ireland?

Marcus Smith’s Kicking Potential: Will He Be England’s Primary Kicker?

While Marcus Smith has had his fair share of ups and downs in the kicking department, recent performances suggest he might just be turning a corner.

After a rough start with missed kicks against the All Blacks, Smith has since found his groove, converting 27 out of his last 28 attempts. If he continues this form, could he take on the primary kicking duties for England in the Six Nations?

The Return of George Ford: Is He Still in the Mix for England’s Fly-Half Spot?

At 31, George Ford may be written off by some, but his skill set and experience make him a key figure in England’s fly-half debate.

With a hip injury sidelining him for now, Ford is still on the radar for Borthwick, who might opt for his more traditional playmaking style when necessary.

Could he return to his former position as England’s main fly-half after the Smith experiment?

England’s No 10 Debate: Is There Ever Going to Be a Final Decision?

The fly-half position has been the subject of endless debates for years.

Whether it’s Owen Farrell vs. George Ford or Marcus Smith vs. Farrell, England’s coaching staff has always had to weigh the pros and cons of various combinations.

Now, with the Smith brothers potentially teaming up, Borthwick might finally have to settle this debate once and for all. Or will the cycle continue?

What Lies Ahead for England’s Fly-Half Position After Furbank’s Return?

Once George Furbank recovers from his broken arm, the Smith-and-Smith partnership may be short-lived.

However, with Borthwick still unsure about the best long-term solution for England’s No 10, it’s possible that the landscape could shift once again.

Will Furbank fit into this new system, or will Borthwick opt for a different configuration altogether? Only time will tell.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn