Steve Borthwick is shaking things up again. This time, Marcus Smith, England’s full-back in the last two Six Nations games, is getting benched for the Italy clash. Instead, Elliot Daly takes his place. You might remember Daly as the guy who snatched that last-minute winner against France, so is this about rewarding impact players, or is Borthwick losing faith in Smith at full-back?
Let’s be real – Smith has struggled defensively and with England barely scraping past Scotland, something had to give. The big question remains: Will he get a chance to make a statement off the bench?
Let’s not sugarcoat it – England needs a miracle to win the Six Nations. They’ve already lost to Ireland, and unless the defending champs slip up against France, the title is out of reach. Most betting sites assess that England’s chances are slim, but they’re still in it mathematically. Rugby Union and Rugby League are very popular sports at international bookmakers, albeit international tournaments such as Rugby World Cup and Six Nations receive much wider interest than domestic action. So, there are plenty of betting markets available – you don’t have to just choose the winning team (source: https:///www.techopedia.com/gambling/non-gamstop-betting-sites).
That means Sunday’s game against Italy is less about the title race and more about proving they can win convincingly. England has never lost to Italy, so a win is almost expected. The real focus will be on how they win. If Borthwick’s changes pay off and England finally clicks, it could build momentum for the Wales game. However, if it’s another scrappy victory, the doubts over England’s attack will keep growing.
It looks like Borthwick is backing Fin Smith at fly-half, and honestly, it’s not hard to see why. He’s 22, full of energy, and handled the pressure in those back-to-back nail-biters against France and Scotland. While Marcus Smith originally lost the No. 10 jersey after England’s loss to Ireland, Fin Smith has done just enough to hold onto it.
There’s something almost old-school about how he’s being trusted to grow into the role, reminiscent of how legends like J.P.R. Williams defined their positions over time. Williams, and all-time great for Wales, wasn’t just about flair; he brought composure and resilience, the qualities England hopes Fin Smith will develop. If he delivers against Italy, he might just take another step toward making the No. 10 jersey his own. If not, the debate over Marcus Smith’s role will only get louder.
If there’s one name that deserves recognition, it’s Jaimie George. He’s set to earn his 100th cap, a feat only six other England players have achieved. That kind of longevity isn’t just about skill but consistency, leadership, and sheer resilience. The guy has been a pillar in England’s pack for years.
Milestones like this also serve as a reminder of the journey every player takes, both on and off the field. The rugby was shaken last year when former England player Tom Voyce went missing, a stark reminder of how unpredictable life after the game can be.
