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Fin Smith starts at flyhalf for England against France in Six Nations

football06 February 2025 15:00| © AFP
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Fin Smith © Getty Images

Fin Smith and Marcus Smith are both in England's backline for Saturday's Six Nations clash against France at Twickenham, with Fin Smith starting at flyhalf for the first time.

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 flyhalf Fin Smith at No 10.

That means Fin Smith will be alongside Alex Mitchell, his half-back partner at Northampton, with Freddie Steward, England's fullback in their tournament opener in Dublin, no longer in the matchday 23.

Ollie Sleightholme, another Northampton back, returns on the wing in place of the injured Cadan Murley.

Saracens star Tom Willis is brought in to add heft at No 8 against a France side that thrashed Wales 43-0 last week.

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 full-back against a France side, captained by star scrumhalf Antoine Dupont, who are renowned for their attacking threats.

England (15-1):Marcus Smith; Tommy Freeman, Ollie Lawrence, Henry Slade, Ollie Sleightholme; Fin Smith, Alex Mitchell; Tom Willis, Ben Earl, Tom Curry; George Martin, Maro Itoje (capt); Will Stuart, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Ellis Genge

Replacements: Jamie George, Fin Baxter, Joe Heyes, Ollie Chessum, Chandler Cunningham-South, Ben Curry, Harry Randall, Elliot Daly

Coach: Steve Borthwick (ENG)

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