Head coach Steve Borthwick has been urged by Clive Woodward to clarify the England No.10 position, following the decision to drop George Ford from this week’s squad on Tuesday afternoon.
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The decision has led to speculation that Marcus Smith, who has served as a substitute in the last two Guinness Six Nations matches, will now start as the out-half against France, with captain Owen Farrell being moved to the bench.
“If you take a look at the teams who have won World Cups, you realise each had an outstanding No10 – a kingpin fly-half who was the undisputed first choice and arguably the most important player in the team,” began Woodward.
“Over the years, Michael Lynagh, Joel Stransky, Stephen Larkham, Jonny Wilkinson, Dan Carter and Handre Pollard have fulfilled that role for their respective nations.
“For the good of England’s progression, Borthwick needs to nail his colours to the mast in terms of who he picks at fly-half. Some might say he has already done so by naming Farrell as captain for this Six Nations and picking him ahead of Smith for the games against Italy and Wales. Today, my choice would be Farrell, too.”
He added: “Twelve to 18 months ago, I was calling for Smith to start so he could get the time needed ahead of the World Cup. Now, that time has been lost. It was wasted by the previous regime,
“Importantly, that time has also been lost in finding the right No 9 and No 12. Jack van Poortvliet has great promise but is too inconsistent. Ollie Lawrence has stepped up in the last two games, albeit against the weakest teams in the tournament. Both need more time and Farrell offers the experienced hand to guide them.
“Much is said of Farrell being more reserved than Smith or Ford. That he is, but with more attacking players selected around him like Max Malins, Henry Slade, Henry Arundell and Anthony Watson, the backline can improve, and fast. Consistency is key and even more so if fast ball becomes England’s mantra.
“If Borthwick continues down the Farrell path and is resolute in doing so, then I applaud him because as an international coach, you must have the courage of your convictions with selection. It is the most important part of the job at Test level.
“What I do not want to see is Smith brought on to make a 20-minute impact. Pick and back your fly-half for 80 minutes and make it clear that he is the main man. If there is an injury, you will be surprised how fast the side will rally around the ‘understudy’.”
On Saturday, March 11, the Twickenham Stadium in London will host the England versus France rugby match, which will begin at 4.45pm (GMT).
Other matches scheduled for the same weekend include Italy versus Wales, aimed at avoiding the last place, at 2.15pm on Saturday, and Scotland versus Ireland at 3pm on Sunday, March 12.
EXPECTED ENGLAND XV TO FACE FRANCE:
Back Three
15. Freddie Steward
14. Max Malins
11. Anthony Watson
Centres
13. Ollie Lawrence
12. Henry Slade