Starting Marcus Smith over England captain Owen Farrell for Saturday’s Six Nations conflict with France can be a “great call”, says World Cup-winning coach Sir Clive Woodward.
Smith is ready to begin at fly-half for the match at Twickenham, with Farrell dropped to the bench after failing to impose himself from the No 10 function within the first two video games towards Italy and Wales.
Farrell has been a significant determine for England’s backline for over a decade, offering defensive solidity and a rock-solid kicking recreation in addition to management and aggressive spirit.
But his lack of type this spring is a priority for coach Steve Borthwick forward of the Rugby World Cup later this 12 months, and Smith provides an injection of aptitude to the midfield.
“We’ve all dropped big players,” Woodward informed BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. “You have got to make those calls. It’s still early days for Steve and, if you are going to make these big calls to try to find out your best starting team, you need to make them early in your career.
“I was looking forward to the game anyway, but even more so now that Smith starts at 10.”
England are third within the desk, 5 factors behind leaders Ireland, and should win their last three video games to have an opportunity of claiming the Six Nations Championship.