- In addition: how Marcus Smith's exhibition in Dublin reminded me of Jonny Wilkinson
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The decision to go with both Smiths, Marcus and End, against France, is a great bet for Steve Borthwick, since England desperately tries to look for a victory.
I can totally understand the decision to transfer Marcus to full-back and start the end in No 10. They would also have started them together, but at 10 and 12.
I would have gone with Marcus in Fly Half, end at age 12, and Tommy Freeman in Outsis Center and had really gone to leather hell. The debate No. 10 will not disappear and the result of this weekend's game will only join.
My opinion is that Marcus Smith is a half of the fly, not a complete support and when everyone is fit, it has to be the creator of first -option games.
I feel sorry for him to remain transferred from his best position.
But it is clear that the injury to George Furbank, which is the first option in No. 15, has changed things dramatically in Borthwick's mind.
Steve Borthwick has bet on choosing the Smiths – Marcus and End – against France
I would have done in a similar way at Borthwick, but I would have kept Marcus at 10 years and brought an end to 12
End has shown that it has the temperament of the great game for a clash like Saturday against France
Freddie Steward began there in the defeat for Ireland, but because this might seem, for me it does not have the rhythm of playing that position at the highest level.
That is why Borthwick is now ready to resort to a Smith-Smith axis for the second round. To the end Smith in the NO 10 and Marcus in the rear field against France, the latter will be encouraged to break the game with attack races from the depths.
End has not started a test for England, but I have no concerns about him for Le Crunch.
He has demonstrated with Northampton, guiding them to win the title of the Premier League last season, which has a great game temperament. I thought Marcus seemed lost in the defeat by Ireland in Dublin. I think he tried to do a lot.
He is still young and learns, especially on how to handle a game at the test level. It has been doing that for a long time.
I thought that against Ireland, Marcus was trying to prove that he is not a striking 10 (as some have said) and do everything throughout the field.
You don't need to do that. He must play with his strengths and act as a creator of games, instead of tacle and be at the bottom of the rucks.
Marcus is better served at 10 in my opinion, but it will be fascinating to see how it goes
Borthwick is desperate for a victory, with England he lost seven of his last nine tests
It is something that used to tell Jonny Wilkinson all the time because he was also a final team player.
Perhaps a movement towards recoil is actually an opportunity for Marcus to do exactly that. It will be fascinating to see how it goes. A concern with Marcus in Full-back is that France will attack him in the air.
The new rule about the blockade of escort runners to the persecution of kicks means that there is now more pressure than ever in the contest one at the time.
Clearly, Marcus is small for a 15. France will kick him and make his runners pass, but he can deal with that, his threat of attack could still make a big difference.