Marcus Smith has been dropped by England for Sunday’s Six Nations fourth-round clash against Italy, with Elliot Daly starting at full-back and Fin Smith retaining his place at fly-half.
Marcus Smith had been Steve Borthwick’s first-choice pick at No 10 since the 2023 Rugby World Cup whenever he has been fit, but was shifted to full-back for England’s second and third-round clashes against France and Scotland at home, with Fin Smith coming in and also taking over place-kicking.
The decision to drop Marcus Smith to the replacements bench is a big one, with Daly rewarded for his form off the bench with a start in the back field.
England’s Elliot Daly is rewarded for his form off the bench with a start at full-back
Elsewhere, former skipper Jamie George will start at hooker in place, meaning he will win his 100th England cap, while Fraser Dingwall starts at centre.
Luke Cowan-Dickie drops to the bench, while Henry Slade is absent from the squad.
England: 15 Elliot Daly, 14 Tommy Freeman, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 12 Fraser Dingwall, 11 Ollie Sleightholme, 10 Fin Smith, 9 Alex Mitchell; 1 Ellis Genge, 2 Jamie George, 3 Will Stuart, 4 Maro Itoje (c), 5 Ollie Chessum, 6 Tom Curry, 7 Ben Earl, 8 Tom Willis.
Replacements: 16 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 17 Fin Baxter, 18 Joe Heyes, 19 Ted Hill, 20 Chandler Cunningham-South, 21 Ben Curry, 22 Jack van Poortvliet, 23 Marcus Smith.
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Six Nations fixtures: Round Four
Saturday March 8
Ireland vs France (2.15pm)
Scotland vs Wales (4.45pm)
Sunday March 9
England vs Italy (3pm)
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