There has since been contradictory comments from England in explaining how that call was made, with Borthwick insisting in the immediate aftermath of the round two success that it had been a decision made by the players, but Fin Smith suggesting last week that Kevin Sinfield, England’s assistant coach, had brought on his tee after a decision made by the staff.
Steve Borthwick has backed Marcus Smith to rebound from a difficult day from the tee against France after revealing that the England full-back will retain kicking duties for the Six Nations clash against Scotland.
“With Fin Smith and Marcus Smith, we have two ball-players, two people who see space in the front-line and in the back-field, and that’s going to be very important this weekend.”.
The Harlequins playmaker missed a penalty and a conversion in the second half of the round two fixture, and had the tee taken off him as fly half Fin Smith assumed duties.
But Borthwick has backed Marcus Smith to step up again this season with the Harlequin boasting an outstanding record at club level this season, with a Premiership-best kicking percentage of 96.43 per cent.
