England double up on Smiths for Le Crunch

02/06/2025 10:46 AM

Playmakers Fin Smith and Marcus Smith are both in England's backline for Saturday's Six Nations clash against France at Twickenham.

England coach Steve Borthwick, whose side were beaten 27-22 by champions Ireland last week, has moved Marcus Smith to fullback in order to accommodate 22-year-old Fin Smith at flyhalf – his first Test start in the No 10 jersey for his country.

That means Fin Smith will be alongside Alex Mitchell, his halfback partner at Northampton, with Freddie Steward – England's No 15 in their tournament opener in Dublin – no longer in the match-day 23.

Ollie Sleightholme, another Northampton back, returns on the wing in place of the injured Cadan Murley, with Saracens star Tom Willis brought in to add heft to the back row against a France side that thrashed Wales 43-0 last week.

TEAM: Jalibert to call the shots for France

Willis now forms part of a revamped back row where Ben Earl moves to openside flanker and Ben Curry drops to a bench also featuring returning veterans Jamie George and Elliot Daly.

England have lost their last seven Tests against major nations, with Borthwick hoping his decision to field both Smiths in the same starting side for the first time can derail France.

Fin Smith is seen as the more tactical flyhalf, with Marcus Smith providing a counter-attacking threat.

But Steward's absence could leave England exposed defensively at fullback against a France side, captained by star scrumhalf Antoine Dupont, who are renowned for their attacking threats.

Six Nations round 2 fixtures
Saturday:
Italy v Wales, 4.15pm (Stadio Olimpico)
England v France, 6.45pm (Twickenham)
Sunday:
Scotland v Ireland, 5pm (Murrayfield)

Photo: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile via Getty Images

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