MARCUS SMITH will start at out-half for England ahead of Fin Smith against Japan on Saturday, head coach Steve Borthwick said, as he announced his side two days earlier than expected.
Borthwick caught reporters off-guard on Tuesday as he named his team to face a Japan side coached by former England head coach Eddie Jones in Tokyo.
Harlequins playmaker Marcus Smith gets the nod to take the vacant number 10 shirt, with Owen Farrell ineligible after deciding to continue his club career in France and George Ford injured.
Up-and-coming Fin Smith impressed in Northampton’s thrilling win over Bath in the Premiership final earlier this month but the 22-year-old was named among the substitutes.
Borthwick said he “sensed an even greater determination and hunger than I’ve ever seen” in Marcus Smith after the 25-year-old missed out on the Premiership championship playoffs.
“In Marcus and Fin we have two brilliant players,” said Borthwick.
“It’s an enviable position to be in, to have players of that ability.
“Marcus has been in camp since we assembled and he’s done really well and brings a lot of experience.”
Borthwick handed a first Test start to loose forward Chandler Cunningham-South in a starting XV that contained four changes from England’s 33-31 loss to France in the Six Nations in March.
Tom Curry, who has not featured for England since last year’s World Cup after undergoing hip surgery, was named on the bench.
- Jones reunion -
It was Marcus Smith’s inclusion ahead of namesake Fin that drew the most discussion, with Borthwick saying he felt “very privileged” to have both players at his disposal.
“I focused on a team that I think is the right team for this weekend, with all the context,” he said.
“I think Marcus has done really well throughout our preparation camps and it provides continuity from the latter part of the Six Nations.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing Marcus and Fin grow even more as top-class international fly-halves over the next period.”
Borthwick said he relished the chance to face Jones, who is leading Japan for the first time since returning to the job at the start of the year.
Borthwick was an assistant under Jones during his first stint in charge of Japan from 2012-2015 and coached under the Australian in the England set-up.
“Everybody knows the quality of Eddie as a coach,” said Borthwick.
“He’s incredibly well respected for all the good things he did for English rugby.
“We expect a really skilful, talented, well-organised Japan team on Saturday.”
England team to face Japan:
- 15. George Furbank
- 14. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso
- 13. Henry Slade
- 12. Ollie Lawrence
- 11. Tommy Freeman
- 10. Marcus Smith
- 9. Alex Mitchell
- 1. Bevan Rodd
- 2. Jamie George
- 3. Dan Cole
- 4. Maro Itoje
- 5. George Martin
- 6. Chandler Cunningham-South
- 7. Sam Underhill
- 8. Ben Earl
Replacements:
- 16. Theo Dan
- 17. Joe Marler
- 18. Will Stuart
- 19. Charlie Ewels
- 20. Tom Curry
- 21. Harry Randall
- 22. Fin Smith
- 23. Tom Roebuck
Thomas reminds me so much of Zebo. All the talent in the world and not serious enough to put it all together. Would much rather act the class clown
@Niall Boyle: Plus incidents of ‘Inappropriate behavior’ .. allegedly?
@Niall Boyle: Just your ‘perception’ tho, which says more about you than the player… stuff it up the jumper there Niall gud man ;)
@Niall Boyle: he reminds me of Terence Trent D’Arby.
@brian o’leary: Did he ask ROG if he’d let him stay?
@Thesaltyurchin: I think it’s a pretty fair assumption. Both have oodles of talent and I don’t think we have seen or will see either show the absolute peak of their potential
@Niall Boyle: Zebo was not really prone to the “brain-fart” like Thomas was (2018 HC final, last minute).
It’s more of a loss to Leinster that he won’t be playing against them.
@Niall Boyle: True. He has absolutely no interest in defending and making tackles and is a serious serious weak link in the air. Big blow for Leinster this.
@Niall Boyle: What would be the pinnacle for a back 3 player? Lions? Leading all time try scorer for your childhood team? Not good enough for our Niall tho
@Thesaltyurchin: a test Lions cap maybe?
@Niall Boyle: Impossible for Teddy tho, but still super ‘similar’ players
@Thesaltyurchin: What has he said that’s not accurate? It’s well publicised and written about. That’s why he was out in the cold from the French squad
@Thesaltyurchin: it’s a fair comment , he didn’t hit his full potential in rugby which is frightening to think about. He did seem to enjoy himself and has a great family and a good outlook on life – he probably won in the end
@Owen ODonoghue: “he probably won in the end”… much as people will try to not let him eh? Zebo was a superior player, sad, negative people will always try to ‘make worse’, bring people down, thats all I’m highlighting. Tomas is no where near the French team because there are a string of WC players in front of him, simple as. Here’s what chat GBT found from a quick search all the same, imo, all the similarities could be between ANY winger who’s ever played:
“Similarities
Positions:
Both are primarily wingers but can also operate in other backline roles. Zebo has spent time at fullback as well.
Attacking Flair:
Both players are renowned for their attacking prowess, speed, and ability to break defenses. They are excellent in one-on-one situations and thrive in open play.
Finishing Ability:
They are natural finishers who consistently capitalize on scoring opportunities, making them key players in the attacking third.
Skill and Creativity:
Thomas and Zebo are both highly skilled with ball-in-hand, capable of producing moments of magic with sidesteps, offloads, or creative play.
Big-Match Performers:
Both players have experience playing at the highest levels (e.g., Champions Cup, international rugby) and have demonstrated an ability to perform in high-pressure situations.
(unfortunately neither have played at a high enough level for Niall, in fact very few have, certainly anyone outside the British and Irish system are not good enough).
Differences
Defensive Attributes:
Zebo is generally considered more reliable defensively, especially in terms of positioning and high-ball work, due to his experience at fullback. Thomas has sometimes been criticized for lapses in defense or decision-making.
Physicality:
Zebo has a slightly more physical presence on the pitch, allowing him to contribute effectively in contested areas and in defense. Thomas is leaner and more reliant on agility and speed than on physicality.
Consistency:
Zebo is known for his consistency and game management, while Thomas, though capable of brilliance, can be unpredictable in his decision-making.
Versatility:
Zebo’s experience playing fullback adds a layer of versatility to his game that Thomas doesn’t typically offer.”
@Thesaltyurchin: OK… one question for you. How did you bypass the 800 word limit???
They have Jack Nowell, Brice Dulin, Leyds out wide already. No real loss
@adizlack93: Does Teddy Thomas not play mostly at centre these days?
@Paul Ennis: their first choice centres are Danty and Seuteni. Article says he’s playing at 13 this season but to me he’s still a winger, started on wing against Leinster in QF last year too