Marcus Smith gets the boot ahead of England's clash against Italy
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Marcus Smith has been dropped to the bench, with England captain Owen Farrell named at flyhalf for Sunday’s Six Nations match against Italy at Twickenham.
New England coach Steve Borthwick decided to break up the much-debated partnership between Harlequins flyhalf Smith and Farrell, who played at inside centre in his first game in charge, which ended in a 23-29 loss at home to Scotland last weekend.
Smith had a few creative touches in the match, with his well-judged cross-kick setting up the first of Max Malins’ two tries.
But Borthwick has now decided to field Farrell in the Saracens star’s club position of flyhalf.
In a further shake-up to his back division, Borthwick has recalled Henry Slade following a hip injury in place of Joe Marchant, with Ollie Lawrence, a late replacement against Scotland, alongside him in the centres.
Jack van Poortvliet was retained at scrumhalf, with Alex Mitchell on the bench after Borthwick had already taken the decision earlier this week to drop veteran Ben Youngs from his matchday 23.
Jack Willis replaced the already dropped Ben Curry at openside flank.
Italy, who named their team earlier Friday, have yet to beat England.
They impressed in their tournament opener against champions France in Rome but lost 24-29.
England: 15 Freddie Steward, 14 Max Malins, 13 Henry Slade, 12 Ollie Lawrence, 11 Ollie Hassell-Collins, 10 Owen Farrell (captain), 9 Jack van Poortvliet, 8 Alex Dombrandt, 7 Jack Willis, 6 Lewis Ludlam, 5 Ollie Chessum, 4 Maro Itoje, 3 Kyle Sinckler, 2 Jamie George, 1 Ellis Genge.
Replacements: 16 Jack Walker, 17 Mako Vunipola, 18 Dan Cole, 19 Nick Isiekwe, 20 Ben Earl, 21 Alex Mitchell, 22 Marcus Smith, 23 Henry Arundell.
Date: Sunday, February 12
Venue: Twickenham Stadium, London
Kick-off: 15.00 (15.00 GMT; 16.00 Italy time)
Referee: James Doleman (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Mathieu Raynal (France), Tual Trainini (France)
TMO: Eric Gauzins (France)
