Six Nations: England captain Owen Farrell set to be dropped for France game with Marcus Smith recalled | Rugby Union News

Owen Farrell set to be dropped by England for first time since Rugby World Cup 2015; Head coach Steve Borthwick’s choice comes as he takes cost of England for simply the fourth time; Marcus Smith set to return to beginning XV, with Ellis Genge as captain

England captain Owen Farrell is ready to be dominated out for Saturday’s Six Nations match towards France, with Marcus Smith set to be recalled on the opener.

Farrell has began all three England video games below Steve Borthwick however the brand new England supervisor, who changed Eddie Jones in December, is now set to make the most important name of his brief tenure.

It will likely be the primary time Farrell, 31, has been dropped for England for the reason that 2015 World Cup, and it might show to be a vital choice with the 2023 version of the match arising in September.

With England vice-captain Courtney Lawes out via harm, Ellis Genge is ready to guide her nation for the primary time.

Borthwick are set to substantiate their 23-man squad for the Twickenham encounter at 1.30pm on Thursday.

Marcus Smith set to switch Farrell as flyhalf

Smith and Farrell each began England’s first recreation below Borthwick, a 23-29 loss to Scotland, however the 24-year-old Harlequins star was later dropped to the bench for wins towards England. ‘Italy and Wales, with a complete of 9 minutes throughout. each video games.

Borthwick launched Smith from the England coaching squad final week, incomes him recreation time and placing in a powerful efficiency as Harlequins beat Exeter within the Premiership.

Farrell, who led England to the 2019 World Cup remaining, has struggled to search out his finest type of late, together with his aim struggles main him to show to England legend Jonny Wilkinson to get assist.

Ellis Genge set to grow to be England captain for the primary time

England go into Saturday’s recreation third within the Six Nations desk, stage on factors with Scotland above them and France beneath.

Grand Slam hopefuls Eire, who’re 5 factors clear on the summit, play Scotland on Sunday earlier than finishing their marketing campaign towards England the next weekend.

Sinfield: Great competitors for fly-half spots

England defensive coach Kevin Sinfield spoke earlier this week of the workforce’s “fantastic competitors” for fly-half spots.

George Ford skilled with England through the fallow week when Smith was given the chance to return to Harlequins however was despatched again to Sale forward of the France conflict.

“He [Marcus Smith] was excellent [for Harlequins vs Exeter]”Sinfield mentioned Sky Sports activities Information. “And I’ve to say within the final six weeks of coaching he is been wonderful, and we have got fantastic competitors in that place at Owen. [Farrell]george [Ford] and Fin Smith – who was with us earlier within the marketing campaign.

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England defensive coach Kevin Sinfield explains how good their choices are at fly-half, the significance of Marcus Smith to the workforce and George Ford’s elimination from the final squad

“These boys have been excellent, so aggressive, the extent of coaching has skyrocketed. So to have Marcus again and out there is nice.

“Whether or not folks consider us or not, we felt it was the correct factor for him to return to play together with his membership to get minutes, as his time on the pitch has been restricted for the previous three weeks, and he got here again and was nice.

“Yeah massively [tough to leave Ford out]. I labored with George throughout my time at Leicester, and he’s nearly as good as any flyhalf.

“He is actually within the combine. I do not suppose there’s a lot between the three in the meanwhile, however discovering the correct mixtures for the sport, understanding the menace France poses is why we’re obtained the place we have got to.

Steve Borthwick is making ready England for the Rugby World Cup later this 12 months

“We are going to see the place we’re and what progress now we have made towards France.

“Whenever you come up towards any such opposition, it is an enormous problem and a take a look at for everybody.

“An England v France match at Twickenham is kind of particular.”