Steve Borthwick reveals England starting XV for Japan Test with Marcus Smith at fly-half
- Head coach Steve Borthwick announces Marcus Smith as the starting fly-half for the upcoming England vs Japan Test match.
- The lineup for the Test match has been revealed 48 hours earlier than usual, creating a buzz among rugby fans.
- Excitement builds up as the emerging playmaker Fin Smith is named as a replacement in the starting XV.
Marcus Smith has been chosen as the starting fly-half for England's Test against Japan, with Steve Borthwick making bold selections for the tour opener. The national coach announced the lineup 48 hours earlier than usual, catching Eddie Jones off-guard. England's decision to reveal their lineup early shows confidence in their ability to start the three-Test series with a win. The absence of experienced players like Owen Farrell and George Ford has opened the door for Marcus Smith to take control. The back row has also seen changes, with Chandler Cunningham-South making his first start. Borthwick's early announcement is seen as a strategic move to set the tone for the upcoming match and ward off any mind games from Jones. The selection of Smith as the starting fly-half is a significant decision, giving him the chance to establish himself as England's playmaker. The team is focused on maintaining intensity and discipline against a fast-playing opponent like Japan.