Steve Borthwick is still facing a tough choice when it comes to England’s long-term fly-half for the future.

With the Six Nations fast approaching, the question on everyone’s mind is: who will take up the pivotal No 10 position?

The Smith and Smith Partnership

This weekend, both Marcus Smith and Fin Smith will be donning the No 10 shirt for their respective clubs in France’s Investec Champions Cup.

But come next month, the pair might be asked to team up in a completely new way for England.

Borthwick is reportedly considering pairing Fin at fly-half and Marcus at full-back, as the latter continues to recover from a broken arm.

However, this arrangement could be temporary, especially once George Furbank returns to full fitness.

The Timing of Borthwick’s Decision

Borthwick’s decision to test this new duo seems to be a necessity rather than a planned move, as the England coach has been hesitant to explore this combination earlier.

With Ireland awaiting in the Six Nations opener in February, the pressure will be on Borthwick to make this bold pairing work in Dublin.

The team’s upcoming fixtures against the reigning champions, Ireland, and the looming match against France will provide a litmus test for England’s backline options.

Marcus Smith’s Track Record

Marcus Smith has made a significant impact on England’s game, particularly during the summer tour of Japan and New Zealand.

His flair and ability to create attacking opportunities have often been the difference-maker for England.

In the most recent November campaign, although England struggled, Marcus’ moments of magic stood out—be it intercepts, attacking breaks, or inventive plays like his dummy-drop goal against South Africa.

Despite some criticism for not always being consistent in driving England forward, Marcus’ brilliance cannot be ignored.

He is seen as the maverick player who can change a game in an instant, even if he doesn’t always contribute to every phase of play.

The Growing Role of Fin Smith

Fin Smith, who has been steadily growing into his role at fly-half for Northampton, is now being primed for a leadership role in England’s midfield.

The 22-year-old, who shone in his club’s Premiership title win last season, is seen as a steadying influence—a calm, tactical player who can orchestrate play and keep the team moving forward.

Fin’s strong defensive contributions have also not gone unnoticed.

A Tactical Shift on the Horizon?

Borthwick could very well adopt a flexible approach, selecting his fly-half based on the opponent and circumstances.

Similar to how South Africa manages their fly-half selection, Borthwick could rotate between Marcus, Fin, and even George Ford, depending on the situation.

While this may seem like indecision, it could also be a pragmatic solution, allowing England to adapt and evolve throughout the tournament.

Will Ford Still Have a Role?

Despite the growing influence of the Smith duo, don’t count out George Ford just yet.

At 31, Ford is still one of the best playmakers in English rugby.

While he may not be needed in the initial rounds of the Six Nations if the Smith brothers are starting, Ford’s expertise and his experience with timing and depth make him an essential part of England’s fly-half conversation going forward.

The Pressure to Perform

If the Smith-and-Smith partnership does go ahead, it will be a crucial test for both players.

Fin, though composed for his age, will face a tough environment in Dublin, where he’ll be asked to lead a team in one of the most challenging settings.

For Marcus, playing full-back in the Six Nations will require adapting to new demands, especially as teams like Ireland will surely target him in the air.

A Big Call Awaited

Ultimately, Borthwick faces a big decision in the coming months.

With Furbank’s eventual return and the possibility of the Smith partnership thriving or faltering, the England coach will have to make tough calls regarding team selection.

Will the Smith-and-Smith combination prove to be a temporary fix, or will it emerge as a long-term solution for England’s No 10 woes?

At some point, Borthwick will have to make his choices with conviction.

The time for trial and error will soon be over.

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

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