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England Rugby is set to revamp their backline with Marcus and Fin Smith ahead of facing France.

England Rugby is gearing up for a crucial Six Nations clash against France at the Allianz Stadium on February 8. Following a narrow 27-22 defeat to Ireland in their opening match, the team is considering significant changes to their backline. The potential inclusion of Marcus Smith at full-back and the promotion of Fin Smith, the Northampton fly-half, to the starting XV could provide the spark needed to reignite England`s campaign.

Fin Smith, who has previously appeared only as a replacement in Test matches, is expected to take charge of directing the backline. His inclusion, alongside Marcus Smith, who has experience playing full-back, aims to enhance England`s counter-attacking capabilities. However, this strategy may come at the cost of Freddie Steward`s position, who is known for his aerial prowess and kick return skills.

The challenges facing England`s squad have been underscored by their recent performance against Ireland, where the experience on the Irish bench significantly outmatched that of England`s. This disparity has reignited discussions surrounding the Rugby Football Union`s longstanding rule that restricts the selection of players who play outside of England, a policy that has been in place since 2012. While intended to protect the Premiership, this rule limits the pool of seasoned players available for international duty.

As the Six Nations progresses, the current standings reflect the competitive nature of the tournament, with Ireland, France, and Scotland all securing victories in their opening matches. Upcoming fixtures include Italy vs Wales, England vs France, and Scotland vs Ireland, setting the stage for an exciting second round of the championship.

For more details on the Six Nations fixtures and standings, visit Six Nations updates and fixture details.

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