The decision by England head coach Steve Borthwick to bench playmaker Marcus Smith for the upcoming Six Nations match against Italy has raised many eyebrows, including those of former England coach Sir Clive Woodward. Woodward believes this move could be significant for both Borthwick and Smith as they navigate through the pressures of international rugby.
At 26 years old, Smith entered the Six Nations as England's first-choice fly-half, particularly after what was deemed to be an impressive year with the Harlequins. He showed promise and skill on the field, enhancing his reputation as one of the key players on the national team. Borthwick originally named him to start against Ireland, but after suffering a close defeat of 27-22, the coach made the tactical decision to switch Smith’s position, moving him to full-back for matches against France and Scotland.
Despite this shift, England managed narrow victories over both France (26-25) and Scotland (16-15), fueling speculations about the true motives behind Borthwick's decisions. Now, as the team prepares to face Italy at Twickenham on March 9, 2025, Smith finds himself benched. Instead, Elliot Daly will take over the full-back position.
Woodward remarked on his MailOnline column about the potential ramifications of this decision. "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," he wrote, emphasizing the emotional weight behind the selection process.
Delving deep, Woodward expressed concerns about Smith's recent performances and speculated, "I cannot shift a niggling feeling... Smith has the potential to be a superstar, but as a coach if you get even the slightest impression of distraction, you must act.” This marks not only the scrutiny faced by Smith but also highlights the high stakes for Borthwick as he shapes the future of the England rugby team.
Borthwick clarified his rationale behind the decision, explaining he seeks to "unleash Smith when the opposition is fatigued and there’s space to exploit," indicating he still envisions Smith as part of his game plan—but perhaps not as primary as before.
The timing of this decision has raised questions among fans and analysts alike. After Smith's cloud of scrutiny, whether his fate hangs by the delicate balance of perception on the pitch remains to be seen. Commentators are left to ponder—what will Smith’s new role means for his future? Despite winning the last matches, the benching reflects Borthwick’s attempt to challenge Smith and maintain focus within the ranks.
Looking forward, England's upcoming match against Wales on March 15 provides fertile ground for speculation on this new strategy. What if England enters the final quarter with the lead? Smith’s agility and skills might well be beneficial at such a tense stage if Borthwick’s plans come to fruition. Players like Smith, once the keystone of the strategy, now face hurdles as competition intensifies.
For England fans, this moment could mark either the dawn of new strategies or the dusk of Smith’s central role. The narrative surrounding Smith—of potential stardom versus challenging adversity—could well define his career moving forward. Only time will tell whether the benching was wise or detrimental for both Borthwick and Smith as they remain at the forefront of international rugby.