In Video: Five changes for the England team ahead of their Six Nations clash against France

England’s Surprise Selection for France Test: Finn Smith to Make Debut Start at Fly-Half

In a surprise move, England head coach Steve Borthwick has named Finn Smith to make his first Test start at fly-half, replacing the injured Kaden Mercer, who was ruled out due to a foot injury sustained in last Saturday’s defeat to Ireland. Smith, who has previously impressed off the bench, will be partnered with Marcus Smith, who will move to fullback, in what promises to be an exciting and dynamic backline.

Tweaks to the Back Row

Ben Earl will move to openside flanker, with Tom Willis making his first start at number eight, as part of a back row reshuffle. Ben Curry’s impressive performances have earned him a spot on the bench, while Jamie George and Elliot Daly make their returns to the squad.

Finn Smith’s Debut: A Dream Come True

Finn Smith spoke to our reporter James Cole about his debut start, saying, "I’m very excited, it’s a young boy’s dream to wear the 10 shirt for England. I grew up watching some of the greats, like Johnny Wilkinson, and it’s surreal to think I’ll be wearing that shirt this weekend."

Defense and Set Pieces a Key for Success

When asked about the defense, Smith acknowledged the physical challenge posed by the French team, saying, "They’re a big, physical team, and we’ll need to be aware of that and balance it with our need to move the ball quickly to our backs."

Marcus Smith’s Move to Fullback: A Key Partnership

Smith also discussed the partnership with Marcus Smith at fullback, stating, "It’s like having a second 10 on the pitch. He’ll be my eyes and ears, directing play and helping me move the ball into space. I’m super excited to have him out there."

Northampton’s Backline: A Familiar and Calming Presence

The inclusion of players like Northampton’s fullback, Elliot Daly, brings a sense of familiarity to the backline, according to Smith, who noted, "Having some of my best mates on the pitch alongside me is going to be a calming presence, and I know how they play, so I hope I can bring the best out of them and vice versa."

Ending the Second-Half Slump

When asked about the key to ending the trend of England’s second-half decline, Smith believed that relaxation would be key, saying, "I think just relaxing in the last 20 minutes, not tensing up, and keeping the game dynamic is the way to go. We’ll be focusing on keeping the ball moving and attacking the opposition rather than trying to shut the game down."

Despite some inconsistent results, Smith remained optimistic, stating, "We believe in our performances, and it’s just a matter of time before the wins start coming. A good performance will lead to good results, and we’re looking forward to putting that in place this weekend."