England rugby boss Steve Borthwick adamant dropped Marcus Smith still a ‘game-changer’
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Marcus Smith of England (centre) walks on to the pitch for the Six Nations rugby match against Scotland.
PHOTO: EPA-EFE
LONDON – England coach Steve Borthwick insists Marcus Smith can remain a “game changer” despite dropping him to the bench for the Six Nations clash against Italy at Twickenham on March 9.
Smith moved from fly-half to fullback following England’s opening 27-22 loss to champions Ireland in Dublin, and featured in his less-favoured role as Borthwick’s men revived their title bid with tense one-point wins over both France and Scotland.
But now he is on the bench, with Fin Smith – who started at fly-half in the 26-25 and 16-15 victories over France and Scotland respectively – continuing in the key playmaking role against Italy.
The experienced Elliot Daly comes in for Marcus Smith at No. 15.
“I understand every player wants to start,” Borthwick said.
“It’s been the same for every England player in every generation. Marcus has done so many things we want. He’s a game changer. He has impact in games. When he has the impact, it’s a different time of the game now to what it has been... He has the ability to find space that other players can’t.
“The exciting thing I’m looking forward to is unleashing him when there’s a bit of fatigue on the pitch.”
Borthwick’s revamp means five of England’s seven backs are from Premiership champions Northampton Saints.
The coach wants them to transfer their club understanding to the Test arena as England – who have never lost to Italy – look to stay in touch with leaders Ireland, who face France in Dublin on March 8.
“When I watched Mitch (Alex Mitchell) and Fin Smith and Fraser (Dingwall) at 9, 10 and 12, their alignment and speed to position – the ball is getting to them without anything being called, without anything being said,” he explained.
“There’s an understanding there that I think is enhanced by just how much time they’ve been together.”
England were outscored three tries to one by Scotland, with Borthwick now hoping his rejigged team can play a quick, handling game so as to negate the breakdown strength of an Italy side thrashed 73-24 by France last time out.
A fast-paced approach was something he wanted to see from England against Scotland.
But the coach, not for the first time, suggested the pressure of the occasion had got to his players.
“My job is to ensure they go on the grass and this shirt does not feel heavy,” added Borthwick. “I think potentially a couple of weekends ago that’s what it did.
“There’s a chance to throw a quick line-out, almost immediately at the start of the game and go. That’s exactly what I have said to them – I want you to take the opportunity and put speed in this game.” AFP
