STEVE BORTHWICK has rolled the dice on England’s World Cup campaign with his boldest-ever Test selection for Sunday’s quarter-final against Fiji.
The England boss — not traditionally a gambling coach — has picked Marcus Smith for only his second-ever start at full-back at any level.
Borthwick has so far adopted a riskaverse approach to his England tenure. But on the eve of his biggest challenge yet as Red Rose boss, he has opted to go for broke by installing Harlequins star Smith in the No 15 shirt.
The former England captain has displayed his ruthless streak in omitting both George Ford and Freddie Steward from his starting line-up.
Fly-half Ford starred in England’s tournament-opening 27-10 victory over Argentina, which settled Red Rose nerves after losing three out of four summer warm-up Tests. The Sale playmaker started at 10 with Farrell at 12 in last weekend’s jittery win over Samoa, and was withdrawn midway through the second half. Farrell shifted to flyhalf and Smith stepped into the backline at full-back for the closing stages against the Pacific Islanders.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der October 13, 2023-Ausgabe von Evening Standard.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der October 13, 2023-Ausgabe von Evening Standard.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
'She handed over her house key I couldn't believe her trust in me, a complete stranger
As our final appeal total hits £3.46million we talk to a beneficiary of Refugees at Home a charity we are funding thanks to your amazing support
Make new and lasting changes
The start of a new year often inspires positive changes, and for those seeking to reclaim their mental health and wellbeing, Ibiza Calm provides a haven of transformation and healing
Feeling run down? Follow your gut feelings
Have you ever wondered why you feel constantly tired, experience brain fog or struggle with health issues like skin problems, pain or mood swings?
The kitchen is on fire but service is a washout
Chefs: duller than you think. Sporting rumours of delinquency still propagate—’shrooms at award shows, clingfilm mischief — but the naughty boys and girls are largely a lost breed.
Make room for what matters
The new year is here, and it's the perfect time to reset and refocus.
She stars in a Netflix mega hit and now Luciane Buchanan is playing a queen
It has been two years since action thriller The Night Agent landed on Netflix, but Luciane Buchanan, the breakout star of this twisty hit, still gets messages about it — ranging from the sublime to the ridiculous.
Will Levy pull the trigger on only answer to Spurs' woes?
Chairman would solve nothing by sacking Ange — he must spend
Why is the capital so full of charity muggers?
Pity the poor souls doing it but it's also a blight on our streets
A new year in the capital: start with healthy habits
Nutritional therapist and functional medicine practitioner Tracy Tredoux suggests ways to start the new year as you mean to go on
Ski's chicest, for before and après
This season's essential skiing guide for any budget
