Steve Borthwick expects the return of Marcus Smith to deliver a ruthless streak to England’s assault in opposition to Fiji at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham on Saturday.
Smith is one in every of seven new faces within the beginning XV following a profitable begin to the autumn in opposition to Australia, with Fin Smith chosen forward of George Ford at fly-half and Ollie Lawrence returning at exterior centre after recovering from Achilles surgical procedure.
Ellis Genge captains England for the third time as a consequence of common skipper Maro Itoje being confined to a bench position due to a decrease limb harm that has restricted his skill to coach this week.
Borthwick’s quest to construct squad depth forward of the 2027 World Cup continues with Chandler Cunningham-South’s first begin at No. 8.
Experimentation will stop for New Zealand’s go to to Twickenham on Saturday week, however for now Marcus Smith has the prospect to benefit from Freddie Steward’s hand harm by justifying Kevin Sinfield’s view that he developed right into a “world class” fullback.
England’s most important flaw in a dominant win in opposition to the Wallabies was the failure to show stress into factors, however Borthwick insists the 26-year-old Harlequin’s kicking and operating video games could make the distinction.
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“I am actually hopeful there that we’ll see Marcus in area in unstructured alternatives,” head coach Borthwick mentioned.
“All people within the stadium goes to be excited when that ball comes into his arms in a little bit of area.
“He is a superb participant. You see him on the market on the finish of coaching, he is all the time working so as to add to his sport. He is hungry and he is thrilling. That is what I need to see from him on Saturday.
“Final weekend we had alternatives, however sadly we did not convert them. We have been engaged on that this week to verify we help on line break conditions, end and get the factors on the board.”
A 12 months after taking England’s autumn by storm as a fly-half, Marcus Smith has slipped to 3rd within the pecking order at 10 behind Fin Smith and Ford, leaving full-back as his finest route into the aspect.
“There are many good gamers right here. Whereas a participant is all the time chosen for his or her membership, typically that is not fairly the case right here and the position modifications,” Borthwick mentioned.
“That produces challenges for us and within the surroundings as a result of all of them need to play, however I might a lot slightly it that manner than the opposite manner.”
British and Irish Lions flanker Tom Curry continues as a alternative as he builds match health following his return from wrist surgical procedure.
“Tom hadn’t performed because the Lions tour till final weekend. There was an enormous temptation to start out him in opposition to Fiji, however we’ll deliver him on off the bench. He is in a very good place,” Borthwick mentioned.
“I am unable to reward Tom sufficient. Would he need to be beginning? Sure, I’ve little question about that, however he additionally understands the position I am asking him to play proper now.”
