The idea of placing Marcus Smith in the full-back position might have raised some eyebrows at first, but it’s an experiment that England’s coaching staff believe should not be abandoned just yet.
The decision to try Smith in a more unconventional role came from Kevin Sinfield, who proposed the switch ahead of the 2023 World Cup.
The Harlequins fly-half, known for his flair and creativity, was given the No. 15 shirt to offer a new, counter-attacking threat to England’s backline.
Why the Switch Was Made
Sinfield’s thinking was simple: England needed to explore how a second playmaker could function from the full-back position.
Smith’s ability to thrive in open space, where he can exploit defensive gaps, made him a natural choice for this role.
According to Sinfield, the 26-year-old’s talents are most evident when he’s in space, and getting him into those situations at full-back could stretch opposition defenses even further.
“There are bigger gaps out wide, and it makes sense to get Marcus into those areas,” said Sinfield.
“It was always going to be a challenge, especially since he doesn’t play there much at club level.
But he’s got the ability to cause trouble, even when things are tight.”
The Criticism and Challenges
Despite the praise, there has been some criticism of Marcus Smith’s performances in the 15 shirt during the current Six Nations.
Some observers have questioned his transition, especially with Fin Smith playing at fly-half in the games Smith started at full-back.
However, Sinfield believes it’s far too early to judge the move as a failure.
“It’s easy to criticize, but we shouldn’t throw away the opportunity just because it’s not perfect yet,” Sinfield continued
“Marcus knows there’s room for improvement in his 15 play.
But I truly believe he can be a very good full-back. It’s about giving him time to develop in the role.”
Can Marcus Smith Be Great at Both?
Asked whether Smith could eventually become a better full-back than fly-half, Sinfield didn’t rule it out.
“I’d like to think so,” he said.
“If we can develop him into a world-class player in both positions, it opens up so many tactical options for us.”
Sinfield emphasized that a second ball player in the backline is invaluable, particularly with how modern rugby is evolving.
In the future, Smith could even become a third ball player, which would give England even more attacking versatility.
The Challenge for England’s Fly-Half Contenders
The switch to full-back isn’t just about Marcus Smith, though.
It also creates a tricky dynamic for England’s other fly-half options.
With both Smiths (Marcus and Fin), as well as George Ford all vying for a starting spot, balancing team morale and the players’ ambitions becomes a delicate task.
Sinfield admits that the three fly-halves are incredibly competitive, each driven to lead the attack.
“None of them are happy unless they’re playing 10,” Sinfield laughed.
“Fin’s hungry to keep improving, and he wants to have more of an influence on the game.
Marcus is focused on his role, and George, despite not being in the match-day 23, has been brilliant.”
Looking Ahead
Sinfield believes this period of experimentation is crucial for England’s long-term success.
“It’s about looking at the bigger picture,” he said.
“With the right development, Marcus Smith can offer England a lot more flexibility. We can’t afford to miss out on that potential.”
So while the switch to full-back may still be a work in progress, Sinfield and the coaching staff are committed to exploring its full potential.