It seems like every rugby fan is saying the same thing on Twitter, questioning England head coach Steve Borthwick’s loyalty to captain Owen Farrell.
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Released from the squad this week, Marcus Smith was the man of the match as Harlequins thrashed Exeter 40-5 to win Big Game 14 at Twickenham and move up to fifth place in the Premiership.
His tactical kicking was superb and he was at the centre of much that was good about his side’s at times scintillating attacking play.
One fan wrote: “Steve Borthwick has a huge decision to make for the France game. On current form, Marcus Smith should start at 10.”
Another commented: “Marcus Smith is proof that Steve Borthwick was never the answer. Until English rugby build a team around a Cipriani, Smith or similar, we will struggle to be more than a ‘muscle’ team.”
A third said: “Just don’t understand why you get Nick Evans onboard, pick Dombrandt at 8, then sideline Smith. Borthwick has put himself in a straight jacket choosing Farrell as captain. Would love to have seen Smith given the 6 nations with Dombrandt, Slade & Lawrence”
Another wrote: “England will play boring kick kick kick rugby with boring players at 10 (Ford or farrell )whose form is not a scratch on smiths. We will nothing under borthwick, rather we bring Eddie back.”
“Borthwick needs to wipe the slate clean and choose a new captain. That wouldn’t be revolutionary, just expected with a new head coach!” wrote a fifth.
A sixth added: “Marcus Smith bosses Harlequins vs Exeter 40-5. Are you watching Borthwick?”
“If borthwick was being genuine- he’ll start smith. Very much doubt it,” said another.
Five players Steve Borthwick should call-up after this weekend
Silky playmakers, speedy wingers, and a hooker who never gives up make up this weekends top 5. Here are the players who impressed the most on the international break.
#1. Harry Randall (Bristol Bears)
Bristol Bears beat Northampton Saints 62-8 at Ashton Gate on Friday night in Round 19 of the 2022/23 Gallagher Premiership
Bristol Live wrote: “The new Bristol captain is metaphorically banging down England head coach Steve Borthwick’s door with performances like this as he was the catalyst for the Bears’ attacking success all night in their best performance for two years.”
