Why Marcus Smith is still England's best fly-half, how he can open up Ireland and the common myth about him that is just plain wrong, writes CHRIS FOY
Why Marcus Smith is still England's best fly-half, how he can open up Ireland and the common myth about him that is just plain wrong, writes CHRIS FOY
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Marcus Smith has been the starting 10 in every one of England’s last seven Tests and it seems that Steve Borthwick has wisely concluded that now is not the time to change that arrangement. Ireland in Dublin at the start of the Six Nations is not the occasion to rip up the creative hub of the national team and thrust a relatively inexperienced playmaker in for his first start at fly-half. That red-letter day will come soon enough for the impressive Fin Smith, but not on Saturday; not with all the other disruption and not with so much at stake.
![[The 25-year-old has still all the tools to be England's best fly-half despite growing competition]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/27/22/94577649-14331577-image-a-64_1738018705245.jpg)
With Alex Mitchell fit to return to action after being absent in the autumn, the scrum-half will be pitched straight back into the nine shirt. There may have been an argument for uniting Mitchell with the new Smith on the block, his Saints half-back partner, but he and magic Marcus are a familiar Test double-act too and they should quickly re-establish a productive connection.
![[It is not the right time to thrust Fin Smith (right) - a relatively inexperienced playmaker at international level - in for his first start at fly-half against the defending Six Nations champions]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/27/23/94577855-14331577-image-a-69_1738018972544.jpg)
England are adapting to a number of enforced changes. George Furbank is still on the mend after fracturing his arm, so Freddie Steward is set to be restored at full back. That is his kingdom and the flying Tiger is well equipped to withstand the suffocating tension of a momentous showdown with the title holders on the opening weekend.
![[Steve Borthwick urged that Marcus Smith is 'incredibly dangerous in space' ahead of Saturday]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/27/22/94577673-14331577-image-a-65_1738018708442.jpg)
The loss of Immanuel Feyi-Waboso is another key factor. The Exeter wing was not only a prolific threat in attack for Borthwick’s side last year, he was also a prime defensive asset. According to experts, part of the reason why the blitz system unravelled in November was because the Chief suffered another setback which deprived the national team of someone so adept at chasing back and hitting with gusto and spatial awareness.
![[Borthwick and England captain Maro Itoje (left) will hope for a better Six Nations than last year]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/27/22/94577663-14331577-image-a-66_1738018718745.jpg)
