Borthwick backs game-changer Smith to shine against France

England head coach Steve Borthwick has described Marcus Smith as a potential game-changer and backed him to make the difference against France in the Six Nations.

Borthwick's team face France – runners-up at the last two Championships after winning the Grand Slam in 2022 – at Twickenham for their second game of the 2025 edition on Saturday.

They were beaten 27-22 by Ireland in their opening match last week, prompting Borthwick to make three changes to his starting XV for the France game.

Tom Willis, Ollie Sleightholme and Fin Smith have been brought in, with the latter's introduction seeing Marcus Smith switch from number 10 to full-back.

Opponents France travel to west London in high spirits, having crushed Wales 43-0 to get their own campaign up and running last week.

Les Bleus made the most attacking 22 entries (12) and scored the most points per entry (3.6) of any team on matchday one. They also conceded the joint-fewest defensive 22 entries of any side (five, alongside Scotland) and were the only team not to concede a single point.

Borthwick thinks Marcus Smith's ability to carry the ball will be key if England are to overcome France's physicality.

"France pose a physical challenge and a very distinct tactical challenge, particularly with that long kicking game," he said.

"Marcus is one of the most dangerous players I've ever seen in those unstructured situations.

"He finds space between defenders that doesn't appear to be there. Marcus is a game-changing player.

"He's a player with brilliant instincts and I want him to bring all those natural instincts to the pitch this weekend in an England shirt."

Back in #GuinnessM6N action this weekend Steve Borthwick has named his match day squad to face France at @allianz_stad this Saturday @O2 | #WearTheRose
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) February 6, 2025

Fin Smith, meanwhile, is making his first England start after seven appearances off the bench, and he hopes he can be the catalyst for an attacking upturn.

"If I can get the attack flowing, get some of the awesome backs we've got into the game, then I'll feel like I've put in a decent performance," he told Rugby Union Weekly.

"The main thing I want to do is give those guys a platform and real clarity about what I want from them and hopefully allow them to excel themselves."