The selection of Fin Smith and Marcus Smith in the England backline is not a horses-for-courses selection to face France, it is a sign that Steve Borthwick is doubling down on his high-pace, high-risk strategy.

ENGLAND ARE GIVING strong consideration to fielding playmakers Marcus Smith and Fin Smith in their backline against France in the hope of igniting their Guinness Six Nations. Marcus Smith has been first choice out-half since the 2023 World Cup but he could be moved to full-back for Saturday’s Twickenham showdown to accommodate his namesake’s promotion to the starting XV.

England are set to unleash a new playmaker double-act against France at Twickenham on Saturday, by naming their two Smiths together in a revamped back division.

That was followed by Scotland convincingly defeating Italy with a 31-19 scoreline thanks to heroics from Huw Jones. It was the same old story for England, as they gave up a half-time lead to succumb to a narrow 27-22 loss to Ireland.

England will be without Cadan Murley for Saturday's Six Nations match against France at Twickenham. Murley, 25, scored England's opener against Ireland in their 27-22 defeat in Dublin last weekend, but picked up a foot injury in the match,