Steve Borthwick’s decision to drop Marcus Smith to the bench for England’s upcoming Six Nations match against Italy has been making headlines.
Given Smith’s status as one of England’s brightest and most well-known players, it’s understandable that this decision is drawing so much attention.
However, when you look at the situation without the surrounding noise, Borthwick’s reasoning becomes clearer.
The Role of Marcus Smith in England’s Squad
Let’s break it down: Marcus Smith is undeniably one of the best No. 10s in the world.
However, when it comes to playing full-back, it’s a different story.
The difference between playing fly-half and full-back is significant, and while Marcus is certainly capable of playing 15 if needed, his skill set is more suited for a No. 10 role.
It’s a tough situation for Smith, especially since he’s made it clear he prefers to play at fly-half.
The decision to play him at full-back has, in part, been driven by England’s injuries, most notably the absence of George Furbank, who would normally be the starting full-back.
If Furbank had been fit for the Six Nations, it’s likely Marcus would have played at No. 10, with no room for Fin Smith.
But with Furbank sidelined, Borthwick had to make some adjustments, including starting Marcus at full-back.
The Struggles with Full-Back Position and Why Borthwick Changed Things Up
While England has managed to win their last two games with Marcus at full-back and Fin Smith at fly-half, it’s clear that Marcus hasn’t quite found his rhythm in the role.
He’s been targeted by opposing teams, particularly in aerial duels, and the plan to use him for more attacking intent than Freddie Steward hasn’t fully panned out.
Italy, in particular, is a team that relies heavily on kicking, and Borthwick likely anticipated this when making his lineup changes.
One significant change is the introduction of Elliot Daly, who has impressed off the bench during the Six Nations and provides a bit more experience and stability in the backline.
For Marcus, this shift will undoubtedly be frustrating, especially given his standout performances during the autumn internationals.
In those matches, Smith was one of England’s best players and was instrumental in keeping the team competitive against some of the best southern hemisphere teams.
Borthwick’s Bold Call to Drop Henry Slade and Bring in Fraser Dingwall
Another big selection decision from Borthwick ahead of the Italy match is the dropping of Henry Slade entirely.
In his place, Fraser Dingwall has been brought in alongside Ollie Lawrence in the centre.
This is a bold move, but one that makes sense from a tactical perspective.
England has been vulnerable defensively in the 13 channel, and with Italy’s strong attacking duo of Juan Ignacio Brex and Tommaso Menoncello, Borthwick will want to shore up that area of the field.
England’s Path to Victory and the Pressure on Borthwick
Borthwick has made some tough calls, and as the head coach, he will have to live with the results.
But looking at the bigger picture, these decisions are necessary. England needs to win this match, and they need to do so convincingly.
If the team struggles and Marcus Smith remains on the bench, there could be mounting pressure on both the players and coaching staff.