Apart from Ellis Genge and Freddie Steward, every player who starts for England against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday will be on trial for the World Cup.
The team named by Steve Borthwick consists of 13 ‘possibles’ and two ‘probables’ when it comes to players entering the tournament. Marcus Smith is in the first of those categories.
Genge and Steward are more than ‘probable’ as barring injuries they are sure to start the most important matches in France. Fly-half Smith can’t be so sure he’s in the same boat.
But Borthwick is right that Smith has to go to the World Cup, no matter what happens in the first warm-up game. You need three fly halves and three scrum halves to do well on the biggest stage.
With captain Owen Farrell, George Ford and Smith, England have three world-class No 10s. In many ways, England are the envy of New Zealand, Ireland and France in terms of playmakers. But having a strong team sheet means nothing unless the team performs on the field.
Steve Borthwick hopes his England squad is up to the World Cup level
England can do very well at this World Cup with Owen Farrell playing at number 10
The World Cup warm-up games are crucial as England need to get up to speed – and fast. The Borthwick side are behind the other teams when it comes to preparation.
The question is, can they catch up fast enough?
They clearly put a lot of emphasis on fitness. The Six Nations confirmed just how bad England was.
Smith will want to play a big game against Wales, but whatever the result at Principality Stadium, two things need to happen. The first is that the Harlequins man will go to France anyway – Borthwick has confirmed that – and the second is that Farrell will start at number 10 in France.
With Farrell in the position of playmaker, England can do very well at this World Cup. It is more than possible for Borthwick’s side to make it to the semi-finals, given their group opponents and their possible draw in the last eight. Get through that and then anything becomes possible.
There is no doubt that England are in the easier half of the draw, but that in itself brings added pressure and, make no mistake, all their opponents will want England’s scalp – especially Argentina. So much of England’s chances rest on their first pool game against the Pumas, who have impressed in the Rugby Championship. Michael Cheika’s side seems like a real threat.
Losing to Argentina – which is a more than realistic possibility – and England are in for a seriously tough World Cup.
Win, and it’s a whole different story and a successful tournament awaits them. It’s the same for Wales, who have Fiji in their first game of pool. Momentum is everything on the biggest stage.
I’m not surprised that both England and Wales have named the teams they have for the Cardiff game.
England have world class number 10 with Owen Farrell, George Ford (above) and Marcus Smith
For Borthwick, it’s his only chance to assert dominance over his fringes before naming the 33-man side he’ll take to the World Cup. Borthwick will do that on Monday.
Some might say he does so early isn’t necessary. But I think it’s the right move because Borthwick knows he has to let his best team go as soon as possible.
In Cardiff, players like Tom Pearson, David Ribbans, Jamie Blamire, Joe Cokanasiga and Guy Porter have final chances to impress. Such a position can be difficult for a player. There may be pressure to force things or overplay your hand. But they must take their chance. If they don’t, they won’t be in France.
England must also get rid of the selection and focus the attention of their 33 players on that opening game against Argentina.
Winning is important in the World Cup warm-up, especially when you’re in a position like England, who have lost far more games than they would have liked since reaching the final in 2019.
That said, what will be more important for England is finding the best way to play. Borthwick had a matter of weeks with the team for the Six Nations after being dropped to replace the sacked Eddie Jones. He’s had all the time now.
No team at the World Cup will want to play England at full strength, even after their recent struggles. World Cups seem to suit England.
Borthwick needs to know his first-choice XV and start applying the tactics and style of play he desires for the Argentina game.
England have three warm-up games and after today’s game against Wales I expect Borthwick to lock in his combinations sooner rather than later. That probably leads to a marginal role for Smith. Farrell is number 1 to number 10 and if England is to shock the world, he will need to lead a game plan fast enough to beat the best teams in the world.
To stand a chance against South Africa, France, Ireland or New Zealand – and don’t forget England wouldn’t meet those teams until the semi-finals if they get that far in the tournament – Borthwick’s side need to play with a ball speed from all facets of the game making even the best teams panic on defense.
England head coach Steve Borthwick is right that Marcus Smith should go to the World Cup
There’s no question that Farrell can play that kind of all-court game, but he has to make do with 10 instead of 12 on his back.
Smith hopes to show he can do the same against Wales, but it will only be a matter of time before Farrell is back in the hot seat for the other warm-up games.
Injuries are of course a concern for all teams in the run-up to the World Cup and getting your key players to start regularly is a gamble.
But after the first game in Wales, England will again face Warren Gatland’s side and then Ireland and Fiji. Borthwick has no choice but to pick his best team. The World Cup clock is ticking.