England Six Nations Squad 2025

[BPM]

I think Marcus Smith has been set up to fail by Steve Borthwick. Played at fullback in the expectation that he wouldn't perform well there so Borthwick could have an excuse to drop him. He has been eased out of the team in a planned process. He was never a Borthwick style player.

Interesting theory, I'm not sure I'd credit him with being that Machiavellian though.

 

[Rugbyfan564]

The media are loving it - feels like some of them really want Marcus Smith to have a big downfall.

 

[Geordie]

I don't think SB wants shot of Marcus at all. He absolutely understands how good he is ..but he probably also understands that a cavalier 10 doesn't win you much at 6n level.

Whilst Fin Russell isnt the runner like Marcus, he's a similar off the cuff player..but Scotland had no other options so have spent the time to develop him. Now he's one of the best in the world.

Marcus is seen to do too much himself whereas Fin Smith "supposedly" let's the team do the work. We still need to see that really come through ....

It almost feels like a Mehrtens v Carlos Spencer scenario...where the maverick unbelievably skilled Spencer didn't start the games.

As for 15...Marcus is not a 15. But Steward is not fancied, Carpenter not, not many others so Daly is back. I personally think that's a backward move but is why I tend to defend SB more than I should as it highlights the status of the Prem at the moment. A poor development tool for international rugby .

 

[Rugbyfan564]

It sounds like Borthwick wants his players to be at as few clubs as possible and therefore the more dominating club players will have a stronger chance of getting starting places going forward.

Unless F Smith is absent entirely M Smith won't start again under Borthwick.

 

[IT157]

It sounds like Borthwick wants his players to be at as few clubs as possible. He has effectively admited so today.

Makes sense with cohesion.

 

[BPM]

The media are loving it - feels like some of them really want Marcus Smith to have a big downfall.

Yep. A certain Mr Jones has undoubtedly produced a copious amount of juice over this lineup which makes it all the more irritating.

 

[Rugbyfan564]

I wouldn't be surprised if vs Wales he is dropped entirely and Ford is on the bench instead.

Yep. A certain Mr Jones has undoubtedly produced a copious amount of juice over this lineup which makes it all the more irritating.

It feels like some at the RFU are happy as well.

 

[TopTen2003]

Marcus Smith is unlucky not to play- hasn't done much wrong at 10 and done his best in his opening attempts as a 15. however what a bloke to have on a bench. His fresh legs against tired defenders is an asset to us. Can see how Fin Smith suits a Borthwick game plan more than Marcus but it's great to have a maverick available off the bench.

What's the verdict on Dingwall? Could he be the midfield foil we've been waiting on?

Think these are two very important games for Borthwick and an upset in either should spell the end.

 

[Saintjay]

It sounds like Borthwick wants his players to be at as few clubs as possible and therefore the more dominating club players will have a stronger chance of getting starting places going forward.

Unless F Smith is absent entirely M Smith won't start again under Borthwick.

Then Borthwick needs to get a goddamm suit on and say thank you to Sam Vesty.

Even I'm not mad enough to think the Saints backs are all the best in England.

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

So in the 4th game of the championship we'll be on our 3rd starting FB and 3rd midfield combination. None of it injury enforced and it's not exactly like Daly or Dingwall had been exactly smashing the door down, demanding selection.

 

[Flankers' paradise]

For all we know, these could be 'squad rotation' rather than part of a strategic overhaul and HS and MS revert for the final round