Fin Smith confirmed at fly-half as Borthwick names bold line-up for France showdown

Steve Borthwick has made some big changes for England’s highly anticipated Six Nations clash at home to France, with Fin Smith handed a first start and Marcus Smith moved to full-back.

Northampton Saints’ Fin Smith, whose seven previous caps have come from the bench, inherits the 10 jersey from his namesake Marcus in what will likely be viewed as a selection gamble.

Marcus Smith of Harlequins has started the last eight games at fly-half for England but has experience for club and country at 15 and replaces Freddie Steward in the back three for the visit of Les Bleus.

England lost their Six Nations opener as back-to-beck defending champions Ireland came from behind at half-time to claim a 27-22 win.

Borthwick has also given Saracens’ Tom Willis a first Test start at number eight, with Ben Earl moving to openside flanker and Ben Curry dropping to the bench.

Elsewhere in the backs, the injured Cadan Murley, who scored a try and set up another on his England debut last week, is replaced on the left wing by Ollie Sleightholme.

France’s tendency to kick long under Fabien Galthie is likely behind the selection of Marcus Smith, considered England’s biggest attacking threat with ball in hand, at full-back. Theoretically, it should allow him plenty of opportunities to launch a counter against a broken French defence.

Fin Smith has impressed at fly-half for Northampton. At club level, he has shown he has a good eye for picking the right pass at the right time to unlock defences and is a reliable tackler. The 22-year-old is also an assured kicker out of hand and off the tee.

England need to win on Saturday if they are to have any chance of claiming a first Six Nations crown since 2020 following their away loss to Ireland.

France have been dealt a blow ahead of Le Crunch, however. They will be without fly-half Romain Ntamack, who was red carded during France’s 43-0 win over Wales.

The 25-year-old was sin-binned for a high hit on Ben Thomas, and it was upgraded to red following a bunker review.

Ntamack was initially handed a six-week ban, although it was halved to three weeks owing to his good disciplinary record.

“England versus France is an incredible fixture to be involved in,” said Borthwick. “We’re looking forward to being back at Allianz Stadium in front of our home supporters, for what I am sure will be a great game of rugby.”

England starting XV

15. Marcus Smith
14. Tommy Freeman
13. Ollie Lawrence
12. Henry Slade
11. Ollie Sleightholme
10. Fin Smith
9. Alex Mitchell

1. Ellis Genge
2. Luke Cowan-Dickie
3. Will Stuart
4. Maro Itoje (c)
5. George Martin
6. Tom Curry
7. Ben Earl
8. Tom Willis

Replacements
16. Jamie George
17. Fin Baxter
18. Joe Heyes
19. Ollie Chessum
20. Chandler Cunningham-South
21. Ben Curry
22. Harry Randall
23. Elliot Daly