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Steve Barthwick suggested that Marcus Smith could be used backwards during the six nations, while the England Rugby Chief Coach considers his game creation options.
Smith has passed the full autumn nations series as half of Barthwick’s starting fly, impressive in a Lean campaign for the team.
However, his ability to play at the rear could offer an intriguing tactical dimension with George FURBANK likely to miss the whole tournament after fracturing his arm in December.
End Smith, Furbank teammate in Northampton, and George Ford de Sale were in good shape for their clubs, raising the possibility that Barthwick began one of the two to 10 years in the opening match in England against Ireland him February 1.
And after having reinvented Smith as a great-back during the World Cup campaign in 2023 in England, Barthwick hinted that a return to the role could be a possibility in the coming weeks.
“I think Marcus is a 10 that can play 15,” said Barthwick. “It’s a conversation I had with Marcus. I think he sees it in the same way.
“I know that his favorite position is 10 years. I also see, we have discussed it for a long time, is a player who in space is incredibly dangerous. And I started it at 15 in England, but more recently, I started it at 10 years old, then I moved 15 later in the games. Having this versatility is really important. I think it’s a 10 that can play at 15 years old. »»
While the Barthwick team was relatively short of fresh faces, the Harlequins associate Cadan Murley and Oscar Beard both won the inclusion and hope to put pressure for a start after being appointed in the previous teams without winning a cap.
The number of eight Tom Willis, who made his only appearance in England in a warm -up match before the World Cup, is more likely to challenge a place in the 23 have produced an exceptional form for the Saracens this season.
“Tom has put a lot of work to develop speed, movement and agility,” said Barthwick. “He has always been a great ball carrier and a difficult tackle player.
“When a player leaves and shows that he wants to work on these things, I see him, and he deserves a huge credit. Players with this level of hunger, this level of desire is exactly the type player I want in this team from England. »»
There was no room in the team for the veteran propeller Dan Cole with younger priority options on the Tighthesad. The head coach of England insisted, however, that there could still be an international future for the 37-year-old player, who has not retired from the rugby test.
Barthwick said: “I had a number of conversations with Dan and when I spoke to him yesterday and I had the conversation with him, it was” Make sure your phone is on and that you are in Good condition, because I need you to be ready ‘.
“He absolutely assured me that he will be ready to leave. He was absolutely brilliant. The influence he had within this team was brilliant to help players develop. As a senior player in the team, it’s really important and I thanked it for it. I am sure if necessary, he will be ready to come back.
