In a stunning turn of events for the 2023 Rugby World Cup, England’s head coach, Steve Borthwick, has raised some eyebrows by opting to start Marcus Smith, typically a fly-half, at full-back in the upcoming quarter-final clash against Fiji. While this move might leave rugby enthusiasts scratching their heads, it’s worth diving into the logic behind this decision and exploring just how Marcus Smith might thrive in this unconventional role.
To set the stage, it’s essential to understand that Marcus Smith is no stranger to big games. His journey from his senior debut at the tender age of 18 to earning his 29th England cap as a 24-year-old has been nothing short of impressive. His contemporaries describe him as a “big-match player,” and his knack for stepping up when the pressure is on is unquestionable.
Joe Marler, a seasoned prop for Harlequins, initially had doubts about Smith. He thought of him as a “jumped up, entitled, private-school kid,” but as time passed, Marler quickly realized just how good Smith is at rugby. Fast forward to the present day, and there’s no doubt about his rugby abilities.
Now, let’s delve into the rationale behind Borthwick’s daring move. While Freddie Steward has been a rock at full-back for England, having been named England’s best player for the past two years, Borthwick saw something different in Smith. The decision to include Smith at full-back was no spur-of-the-moment choice; it was a carefully considered experiment discussed “some months ago.”
One of the key factors working in Smith’s favor is his big-game mentality. His teammates recognize this quality, and they have full confidence in his ability to shine on the grand stage, even in the unfamiliar 15 shirt. Smith’s attacking talent, coupled with his work on improving his speed with Olympic legend Daley Thompson, brings a unique dimension to England’s attack. Steward may excel at handling high balls and robust defensive situations, but Smith adds a play-making flair that can befuddle tight-knit defenses.
The experiment with Smith at full-back started positively against Chile, a lower-ranked side in the tournament. After some initial hiccups, Smith displayed the individual brilliance that characterizes his style of play. He made a break, executed a testing kick, and scored a try. Smith’s partnership with Owen Farrell and later with George Ford introduced three play-makers on the pitch, reshaping England’s attack.
Fiji, however, is a different beast. Ranked 10th and fresh off victories against formidable opponents like Australia and a historic win against England, they present a considerable challenge. Borthwick’s selection, which may appear riskier, indicates his confidence in Smith’s ability to bring what’s needed for this crucial match.
In summary, while starting Marcus Smith at full-back might seem unconventional, it’s a testament to his versatility, adaptability, and undeniable talent. As we approach the World Cup quarter-final, all eyes will be on Smith as he looks to prove that he can indeed “thrive” in this role, even when faced with the formidable Fijian challenge.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Marcus Smith at full-back
Question: Why did England’s head coach, Steve Borthwick, decide to start Marcus Smith at full-back for the Rugby World Cup quarter-final?
Answer: Steve Borthwick’s decision to start Marcus Smith at full-back in the Rugby World Cup quarter-final against Fiji was a calculated move. It was part of an experiment that had been discussed months in advance. Borthwick and his coaching team analyzed the opposition and the style of play they wanted for this critical match. They believed that the strengths Smith brings to the team, including his big-game mentality, speed, and play-making abilities, made him the right choice for this specific game, despite Freddie Steward’s consistency as a full-back.
Question: What qualities make Marcus Smith suitable for the full-back position?
Answer: Marcus Smith’s suitability for the full-back position can be attributed to several key qualities. First and foremost, he possesses a “big-match player” mentality, which means he excels under pressure and on significant occasions. Smith’s work on improving his speed, mentored by Olympic legend Daley Thompson, sets him apart. This speed, coupled with his play-making abilities, adds a dynamic dimension to England’s attack. While full-backs like Freddie Steward may excel in defense and high ball situations, Smith’s ability to puzzle his way through tight-knit defenses and make crucial plays is what makes him a valuable asset in this role.
Question: How did Marcus Smith perform when he started at full-back against Chile?
Answer: When Marcus Smith started at full-back in the match against Chile, the experiment got off to a promising start. While there were some initial errors, Smith showcased his individual brilliance. He made a break, executed a testing kick, and scored a try. Additionally, his partnership with Owen Farrell and later with George Ford introduced three play-makers on the pitch, reshaping England’s attack and demonstrating his adaptability to the position.
Question: What challenges does England face by starting Marcus Smith at full-back in the quarter-final against Fiji?
Answer: Starting Marcus Smith at full-back in the quarter-final against Fiji presents England with a challenge because Fiji is a formidable opponent. Fiji, ranked 10th, has recently defeated strong teams like Australia and even secured their first-ever victory against England. While Marcus Smith’s selection may seem riskier compared to the consistent performance of Freddie Steward, England’s coaching staff believes that Smith’s unique qualities will be crucial in this high-stakes match. The challenge lies in ensuring that Smith can effectively adapt to the demands of the full-back position and contribute to England’s success in this crucial encounter.
More about Marcus Smith at full-back
- England Rugby: Marcus Smith Player Profile
- BBC Sport: England v Fiji – Rugby World Cup Quarter-Final
- Steve Borthwick: England’s Head Coach
- Freddie Steward: England’s Versatile Full-Back
- Daley Thompson: Olympic Legend and Speed Coach
- Fiji Rugby: Recent Victories and Rankings
- Rugby World Cup Official Website
5 comments
wow, MarKus SmiTh sTartin’ at full-back??1 I was so surprised when i herd bout it. Hmmm, maybe he cn brinG some mad skillz there!
So, like, Steward wuz the deal, rite? Borthwick got sum guts to go wit Smith. Im keen to see how it turnz out!
Smith’s a gem! Big-game mind, speed, and that playmakN finesse! Thas like next-level stuff. Fiji gona b a tough nut, let’s see if Smith’s da answer.
Aye, Smith started in the Chile game. He messed up a bit, then bang, try! PlaymakN trio with Farrell & Ford – boss move!
Fiji ain’t no joke. Smith betta b ready to flex them skills in this epic showdown! Let’s go England!