Will Fin Smith Shine as England's New Starting Fly-Half?

England's fly-half options are in the spotlight as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith prepare to showcase their talents in the Quilter Nations Series against Fiji. With Fin Smith starting at fly-half and Marcus Smith occupying the full-back position, head coach Steve Borthwick demonstrates his strategy of rotation and depth within the squad. As England aims to build on their recent performances, the selection also highlights the need for player versatility and adaptability in key positions.

Last updated: 08 November 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

England's preparation for their match against Fiji is intensifying as they announce their starting line-up. Fin Smith will don the number 10 jersey, while Marcus Smith, who previously played at fly-half, will take up the role of full-back. This decision comes amidst a series of strategic rotations by Borthwick, who is keen to explore different combinations within his squad. The match will take place at Twickenham on Saturday, 8 November 2023, at 17:40 GMT.

Key takeaways

• Fin Smith will start at fly-half, with Marcus Smith at full-back.
• Chandler Cunningham-South receives his first Test start at number eight.
• Ollie Lawrence makes a notable comeback after recovering from an Achilles injury.

Timeline: how we got here

Here’s a brief timeline of events leading up to the match against Fiji:

• March 2023: Ollie Lawrence suffers an Achilles tendon injury during the Six Nations.
• October 2023: England embarks on a successful tour of the Americas, with George Ford as a standout performer.
• 8 November 2023: England faces Fiji at Twickenham, with a strong line-up featuring numerous changes.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Fin Smith's selection as starting fly-half marks a pivotal moment, especially after a challenging Lions tour where he struggled to find form. Additionally, Ollie Lawrence's swift recovery from a significant injury is a positive development for the squad.

What was already established

England's depth in the fly-half position has been a talking point for several months, with Fin Smith, Marcus Smith, and George Ford all vying for the starting role. Historically, England has performed well against Fiji, winning eight of their nine encounters, although they faced a surprising defeat earlier this year.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The outcome of the match could influence the public's sentiment towards rugby, especially as the World Cup approaches. A strong performance may energise fan engagement and participation in the sport at grassroots levels.

Businesses and jobs

For businesses, successful matches could lead to increased sales in merchandise and local establishments, including pubs and restaurants that host viewing events. The rugby community thrives on national success, which often translates into economic activity.

Policy and regulation

As the sport continues to grow, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) may consider policies to enhance player welfare and development pathways, especially for young talent coming through the ranks. Discussions on the future of player eligibility and international commitments are likely to arise as well.

Numbers that matter

• 8: The number of wins England has against Fiji out of nine total encounters.
• 30: The scoreline from England's most recent victory over Fiji in the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-finals.
• 17: The age difference between Fin Smith (23) and Marcus Smith (26), showcasing the youthfulness of the squad.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Fly-half: A key playmaker in rugby, typically responsible for directing the attack and making tactical decisions.
• Test start: The first appearance of a player in an official international match.
• Quilter Nations Series: An annual rugby union tournament featuring various international teams.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, England will focus on building team chemistry and executing their game plan effectively against Fiji. Monitoring the performance of both Smiths at their respective positions will be crucial for future selections.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Looking ahead, England will need to evaluate player performances during the Quilter Nations Series and the upcoming World Cup. This will involve assessing the depth of the squad and ensuring that players are in peak condition.

Signals to watch

• Player fitness updates, especially regarding Lawrence's recovery and the performance of the fly-halves.
• Fan engagement levels and ticket sales for future matches, indicating public interest.
• Performance metrics from the match against Fiji and subsequent fixtures.

Practical guidance

Do

• Stay updated on player selections and health status leading up to the match.
• Engage with local rugby communities to support team initiatives.

Don’t

• Underestimate the potential impact of injuries on the squad dynamics.
• Neglect the importance of fan support in driving team morale.

Checklist

• Confirm match time and venue details.
• Review player backgrounds, particularly those making their first Test starts.
• Engage with social media channels for live updates and commentary.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the excitement around player rotations is palpable, there are inherent risks associated with changing a successful formula. Player performance under pressure, especially for those in unfamiliar positions, may be variable. Furthermore, the ongoing discussions about player welfare and eligibility can create uncertainties for teams and players alike.

Bottom line

As England prepares to face Fiji, the focus will be on leveraging their depth in the fly-half position to secure a victory. The strategic choices made by head coach Steve Borthwick could shape the team's trajectory leading into more competitive fixtures. The match not only serves as an opportunity for players to shine but also to galvanise support from fans across the UK.

FAQs

Who is starting at fly-half for England against Fiji?

Fin Smith will start at fly-half for England in the upcoming match against Fiji, with Marcus Smith playing as full-back.

What is the significance of Ollie Lawrence's return?

Ollie Lawrence's return is significant as he comes back from an Achilles injury, adding depth to the centre position and bolstering England's midfield options.

How has England performed historically against Fiji?

England has historically performed well against Fiji, winning eight out of nine encounters, though they faced a surprising defeat earlier this year.