Six Nations 2023: Marcus Smith recall gives England v France added spice

England v France is not nicknamed ‘Le Crunch’ by coincidence.

The 2023 edition of this fierce rivalry between two heavyweights of northern hemisphere rugby sees both sides needing to avoid defeat to maintain their Six Nations title challenge.

France, the reigning champions, are favourites to end their 18-year wait for a win at Twickenham but England fans may be arriving at HQ on Saturday with a spring in their step.

The exciting Marcus Smith is tasked with bringing attacking flair at fly-half as he steps in for captain Owen Farrell.

Smith started the defeat against Scotland, with Farrell deployed at inside centre, but the combination failed to set the game alight.

Farrell’s pragmatism has been favoured to steer the ship since then, but despite victories against Italy and Wales, Smith has been recalled to the starting XV after impressing on club duty last weekend.

Smith is capable of penetrating any defence with his acceleration and dead-eye distribution, while the physicality and hard running lines of Ollie Lawrence at 12 should help the Harlequins star play to his strengths.

Farrell will be disappointed not to start against Les Blues but Borthwick says the 31-year-old, who has won 104 caps, will have a key role to play off the bench.

France and their talisman Antoine Dupont are expecting no less.

“Smith is a player who enjoys the attacking game, he’s great at the one-on-ones,” the France skipper said.

“He might not have as much control over the game as Farrell, but having Farrell’s experience on the bench is invaluable. It’s a massive asset.

“At this level, the final minutes of the game are very important so having Farrell come off the bench is great for them.

“A team’s strategy doesn’t change just because of one player. Both Smith and Farrell know how to fit within what is asked of the coach and the group.

“We know they’ll be leaning towards the kicking game, they enjoy putting their opponent under pressure.

“Smith knows how to do it and he might be more dangerous than Farrell. Farrell is better defensively. They have different profiles but can be complementary at the end of the game.”

As well as Smith, Ellis Genge is also a beneficiary of Farrell’s initial absence.

The prop will lead the side for the first time against France after being promoted from vice-captain, and no one is more pleased than England forwards coach Richard Cockerill.

When asked if he foresaw Genge’s transition from talented youngster to England…