England's battle for No 10: It's Smith vs Smith, the maverick vs the conductor, writes CHRIS FOY - in never-ending fly-half debate as Marcus and Fin compete for Six Nations spot
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This weekend, they will both wear 10 for their clubs, as usual, for tough fixtures in France, in the Investec Champions Cup. But early next month, Marcus Smith and Fin Smith are set to form a new double-act for England. Time will tell how long it lasts, but all the indications are that Steve Borthwick is preparing to build his England back line, at least temporarily, around Smith and Smith; not a sibling law firm but a playmaker partnership. Fin at 10 and Marcus at 15 – the position left vacant while George Furbank completes his recovery from a broken arm. Once the Saints captain is fit and available, the England line-up may change again. Long-term planning is unclear. A quick fix is in order.
![[Northampton's Fin Smith is expected to play at 10 as Steve Borthwick shuffles his pack again]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/10/15/93963045-14271139-image-m-62_1736523147364.jpg)
For now, the endless, perennial fly-half debate and dilemma is expected to take another twist, as the selection wheel turns yet again. Having made six appearances as a replacement, 22-year-old Fin is on course to be thrust into the hot seat and asked to run the show. If so, it would be due reward for his composure and creativity in orchestrating a Premiership title triumph last season and continuing to showcase his formidable repertoire in the current campaign.
![[Borthwick is looking for a quick fix, but is yet to figure out who he wants as his long-term No 10]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/10/15/93963205-14271139-image-a-63_1736523180662.jpg)
If Borthwick does adopt this approach, as expected, it would be a meritocratic call, but arguably not at the ideal juncture. Circumstances have forced his hand, after he chose not to try out the Smith-and-Smith alliance at the end of the gruelling Autumn Nations Series, for the home banker against Japan. If it was even the smallest seed of an idea in the coaches’ minds, that would have been a prime opportunity to experiment, but it was not taken.
![[Marcus Smith was partly to blame for Australia's match-winning try when playing at full-back]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/10/15/93962745-14271139-image-a-51_1736522874085.jpg)
