It was the kind of afternoon made for free-flowing rugby firm pitches, clear skies, and an opportunity to take some calculated risks. If ever there was a perfect moment for a player like Marcus Smith to shine from the start, this weekend’s clash against Italy seemed to be it.
Yet, when the England teamsheet was revealed, it delivered an undeniable blow to the 26-year-old fly-half. Just weeks ago, he was a key figure in the team, a beacon of attacking creativity in an often structured setup. Now, he finds himself relegated to the bench, a victim of the latest tactical reshuffle.
Smith’s presence on the sidelines doesn’t mean he won’t have a role to play. In the final stages of the match, against a tiring Italian defence, his attacking flair could prove decisive. However, this shift in status does little to enhance his case for a future British & Irish Lions jersey or strengthen his growing personal brand.
His benching was perhaps inevitable once Fin Smith was given the nod to start at fly-half. The writing was on the dressing-room whiteboard: Smith M is not a natural full-back, and his talents are arguably better suited to an impact role rather than absorbing pressure under high balls. The selection of Elliot Daly at full-back for the first time in four years, combined with Fraser Dingwall’s inclusion in midfield, suggests a tactical adjustment aimed at reinforcing defensive organisation rather than unleashing attacking intent.
While there is logic behind these choices, they also raise questions. Dingwall, a player often on the fringes of selection, benefits from his defensive awareness, while Daly provides an additional kicking option in Slade’s absence. His sharp late try against France remains England’s standout attacking moment in this campaign. However, at 34, his selection hints at a short-term fix rather than a long-term strategy.
England’s approach in the tournament so far has left many wondering whether the team has truly found its attacking identity. Scoring four tries against France and three in Dublin showcased glimpses of potential, yet their inability to string together more than three phases against Scotland, combined with an overreliance on box kicks, suggests a team still searching for fluency.
The decision to pack the backline with Northampton players is a clear nod to club chemistry. Five Saints have been named in the starting lineup, and it could have been six had George Furbank been fit. This reliance on a club-based core acknowledges the influence of the Northampton coaching setup in fostering a cohesive attacking system.
However, the bigger question remains: will this familiarity translate to the Test arena? If the new-look backline fails to click, it will suggest deeper issues within England’s attacking framework. If the first half proves disjointed, cameras will inevitably focus on Smith, waiting in the wings, as speculation over his role intensifies.
The primary objective remains securing a victory and keeping England in the running for the championship. But this fixture is about more than just the result it is a test of England’s attacking evolution. It is time for a more dynamic approach to emerge, regardless of who is steering the ship.
