England’s Lineup Changes Ahead of Six Nations Clash with Italy
In a surprising move, Marcus Smith has been omitted from England’s starting lineup for their upcoming Six Nations match against Italy at Twickenham on Sunday. Instead, Elliot Daly has been chosen to take his place. Smith, a prominent figure for Harlequins, is one of three notable absentees in Head Coach Steve Borthwick’s selection, with Luke Cowan-Dickie and Henry Slade also missing from the starting XV.
Despite being fit, Slade has not even been named among the substitutes, paving the way for Fraser Dingwall to step into the midfield, marking his third Test start. This decision highlights Borthwick’s aim to reinforce the team’s strategy as they prepare for the crucial encounter.
Meanwhile, former captain Jamie George is set to earn his 100th cap, stepping in for Cowan-Dickie. George candidly shared this week that he contemplated stepping away from international rugby after losing the captaincy to Maro Itoje. “It was hard, it was difficult, it was frustrating, and obviously, that makes you question if you can continue,” he revealed during an interview on BBC Sport’s Rugby Union Weekly podcast. “I won’t lie and say it didn’t cross my mind to retire because I was unsure about how it would work logistically and whether it would be awkward to return. I did not want to overstep any boundaries.”
Smith’s placement on the bench reinforces the notion that Fin Smith has emerged as Borthwick’s preferred choice for the fly-half position, indicating that the experiment to utilize Marcus in the full-back role has not achieved the desired outcomes. “England versus Italy is always an exhilarating match to be a part of,” Borthwick expressed. “Competing in front of our loyal supporters at Allianz Stadium is something we eagerly anticipate, and we believe it will be a thrilling game of rugby.”
England’s Starting XV and Replacements for the Match Against Italy
- 15. Elliot Daly (Saracens, 71 caps)
- 14. Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, 18 caps)
- 13. Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby, 34 caps)
- 12. Fraser Dingwall (Northampton Saints, 2 caps)
- 11. Ollie Sleightholme (Northampton Saints, 7 caps)
- 10. Fin Smith (Northampton Saints, 9 caps)
- 9. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, 21 caps)
- 1. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 69 caps) – vice-captain
- 2. Jamie George (Saracens, 99 caps) – vice-captain
- 3. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 48 caps)
- 4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 91 caps) – captain
- 5. Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 26 caps)
- 6. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 59 caps)
- 7. Ben Earl (Saracens, 40 caps)
- 8. Tom Willis (Saracens, 4 caps)
Replacements:
- 16. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks, 47 caps)
- 17. Fin Baxter (Harlequins, 8 caps)
- 18. Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers, 10 caps)
- 19. Ted Hill (Bath Rugby, 3 caps)
- 20. Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins, 13 caps)
- 21. Ben Curry (Sale Sharks, 9 caps)
- 22. Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers, 16 caps)
- 23. Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 42 caps)
