The decision to go with both Smiths β Marcus and Fin β against France is a huge gamble for Steve Borthwick as England desperately try and search for a win.
I can totally understand the decision to move Marcus to full-back and start Fin at No I would also have started them together, but at 10 and My view is that Marcus Smith is a fly-half not a full-back and when everyone is fit, he has to be the first-choice playmaker. I do feel sorry for him that he keeps being moved from his best position.
I would have done similar to Borthwick but I'd have kept Marcus at 10 and brought Fin in at Fin has shown he has the big game temperament for a clash like Saturday's one against France. That is why Borthwick is now set to turn to a Smith-Smith axis for round two. With Fin Smith at No 10 and Marcus in the back field against France, the latter will be encouraged to break up play with attacking runs from deep.
I thought Marcus looked lost in the defeat by Ireland in Dublin. I think he tried to do much. He is still young and learning, especially on how to manage a game at Test level. It does take a long time to do that. He must play to his strengths and act as a playmaker, rather than making tackles and being at the bottom of rucks.
Marcus is best served at 10 in my opinion but it will be fascinating to see how he goes. Borthwick is desperate for a win, with England having lost seven of their past nine Tests. Perhaps a move to full-back is actually a chance for Marcus to do exactly that. One concern with Marcus at full-back is that France will target him in the air. The new rule on blocking escort runners to the kick chase means there is now more pressure than ever on the one-against-one contest.
