Fin Smith to start at fly-half for England in Six Nations clash with France at Twickenham, Marcus Smith at full-back
Published 06/02/2025 at 14:04 GMT
Steve Borthwick has shaken things up as England look to bounce back from last weekend's defeat to reigning Six Nations champions Ireland in Dublin. France head to Twickenham in ominous form after dismantling Wales with a 43-0 shutout in Paris. The inclusion of Northampton's Fin Smith means that namesake Marcus Smith makes an eye-catching move to full-back.
‘The team is growing’ – Robinson tips England for strong Six Nations despite defeat to Ireland
Video credit: TNT Sports
Fin Smith will make his first Test start for England on Saturday, as head coach Steve Borthwick shakes things up with his starting XV to take on France at Twickenham.
With namesake Fin to begin at 10, Marcus Smith will move to full-back for 'Le Crunch' after featuring at fly-half in the defeat to Ireland, with Freddie Steward dropping out of the 23 altogether.
Borthwick has also tinkered with his back row, as Tom Willis comes in at number eight to make his first Test start, while Ollie Sleightholme comes in on the wing in place of the injured Cadan Murley.
There is a 6-2 split among the replacements, with vice-captain Jamie George back from injury and set to win his 98th cap from the bench.
"England versus France is an incredible fixture to be involved in," said Borthwick.
"We’re looking forward to being back at Allianz Stadium in front of our home supporters, for what I am sure will be a great game of rugby."
The task facing England is a daunting one after France thrashed Wales 43-0 in their Six Nations opener last Friday, and Antoine Dupont's visitors are considered by most to be favourites at Twickenham this weekend.
In the Ireland loss, Borthwick once again saw his side surrender a lead, heading into half-time in Dublin 10-5 up, before losing 27-22 to the reigning champions.
England starting XV to face France
15. Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 40 caps)
14. Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, 16 caps)
13. Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby, 32 caps)
12. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 70 caps)
11. Ollie Sleightholme (Northampton Saints, 5 caps)
10. Fin Smith (Northampton Saints, 7 caps)
9. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, 19 caps)
1. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 67 caps) – vice-captain
2. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks, 45 caps)
3. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 46 caps)
4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 89 caps) – captain
5. George Martin (Leicester Tigers, 20 caps)
6. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 57 caps)
7. Ben Earl (Saracens, 38 caps)
8. Tom Willis (Saracens, 2 caps)
Replacements:
16. Jamie George (Saracens, 97 caps) – vice-captain
17. Fin Baxter (Harlequins, 6 caps)
18. Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers, 8 caps)
19. Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 24 caps)
20. Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins, 12 caps)
21. Ben Curry (Sale Sharks, 7 caps)
22. Harry Randall (Bristol Bears, 12 caps)
23. Elliot Daly (Saracens, 69 caps)
France name their side
Meanwhile, France have also named their XV, with Matthieu Jalibert brought in to replace the suspended Romain Ntamack.
France: Ramos; Penaud, Barassi, Moefana, Bielle-Biarrey; Jalibert, Dupont (capt); Gros, Mauvaka, Atonio, Roumat, Meafou, Cros, Boudehent, Alldritt.
Replacements: Marchand, Baille, Colombe, Auradou, Guillard, Jegou, Le Garrec, Gailleton.
Borthwick must be 'true' to himself
One of Borthwick's predecessors in the job - Andy Robinson - has spoken out in support of his former charge and urged him to stick to his guns after that opening defeat.
"I’ve experienced it [the noise]," Robinson told TNT Sports.
"It’s tough, but you’ve got to be true to yourself and I think that’s where Steve is.
"He knows his own mind. I signed him here as an 18-year-old in the academy and he was wonderful. He’s got a real good head about him, and he’s able to stay in control. He knows what he wants to see.
"Everybody is disappointed when England lose, whether it’s by one point or 20 points. We always get disappointed by that and I totally understand it.
"But you can see the team is growing, it’s just about now getting over the whitewash and getting over the line and winning the game."
- What rugby is on TNT Sports? How to watch on TV and live stream
- England took a 'step forward' in Ireland defeat, says Borthwick
The match against France is the first of three home fixtures for Borthwick's men, ahead of games against Scotland and Italy on February 22 and March 9 respectively.
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