Former England head coach Sir Clive Woodward believes that the decision to drop Marcus Smith could be a “pivotal moment” for Steve Borthwick and the playmaker.
The 26-year-old began the Six Nations as the national team’s first choice fly-half after a stellar 2024 which saw the Harlequins star establish himself in the XV.
Smith was named at pivot for the Ireland clash, a game they lost 27-22, before Borthwick moved him to full-back for the games against France and Scotland.
Marcus Smith on the bench
Although they emerged triumphant on both occasions, claiming 26-25 and 16-15 wins respectively, the playmaker has been moved to the bench for the Italy encounter.
It has proven to be a controversial decision, with some feeling that Smith has been badly treated by the head coach.
Woodward does not go that far but the 2003 Rugby World Cup winner certainly reckons that he can feel “hard done by” after being taken out of the XV.
“As a coach, you have to have the courage of your convictions. If you believe you’ve made the decision for the right reasons, you have to stick by it,” he wrote in his MailOnline column.
“That’s what Steve Borthwick has to do after dropping Smith to the bench for Sunday’s must-win Six Nations clash with Italy.
“Borthwick would have had to have sat down with Smith and have an incredibly tough conversation. It wouldn’t have been pleasant for either party.
“It could be a pivotal moment for Smith, Borthwick and this England team. You could forgive Smith for feeling hard done by. He has been asked to play out of position.
“And from full-back, he has beaten France and ended England’s bogey run against Scotland. He has by no means set the tournament alight, but he has still affected the game well.”
Woodward’s theory
Elliot Daly, who appeared off the bench against France and Scotland, has been selected at full-back instead and Woodward believes that Borthwick is “sending a message” to Smith.
The former England boss speculated that the current head coach’s decision may not necessarily be because of what the playmaker has been producing on the field.
“I cannot shift a niggling feeling that Borthwick is sending a message. Smith has the potential to be a superstar, but as a coach if you get even the slightest impression a player is distracted, you must act. Sir Alex Ferguson was the master of this,” he added.
“I just cannot shake the visual from the opening episode of series two of Netflix’s Six Nations: Full Contact of Smith climbing into a flash car and hosting meetings with his agents,” Woodward added.
“Ultimately, I am only speculating. But I don’t think Smith came across well at all there.”