France encounter is chance for Borthwick, Smith and England to show fresh vision

S teve Borthwick is not a coach who makes statements or grand gestures for the sake of it. He is always someone who leads with his actions rather than his words. But his team selection against France gives off a clear message. It is an acknowledgment that the game we have seen England developing in this Six Nations is not enough to win a World Cup.

It is not enough, either, to beat the teams ranked second and first in the world. A solid set piece, a solid defence and kicking gameplan is all well and good. But that does not cut it against the best in the world, and that is what England face over the next two weeks. And while Borthwick is not one to play to the crowds, he also has the courage of his convictions – he has not shied away from big calls because of fear over how they will be perceived.

The missing element for England is the attack. It has been for years. France have quality in abundance, Ireland are averaging more than four tries a match in this Six Nations, and we know how ruthless and efficient they can be. England need to find that gear in attack. They showed glimpses of it against Wales with some well- taken tries, but Marcus Smith can now implement the vision of what England’s attack wants to be because he’s such a threat in that regard.

A word of caution, though, for anyone expecting Smith to perform exactly as he did for Harlequins against Exeter at Twickenham last weekend. Firstly, Exeter were poor, whereas France are the defending Six Nations champions, as well as the second-best team in the world. Secondly, it’s set to hammer down with rain and that is inevitably going to impact this match.

That said, the hope is that we see some of the variety and skill that Smith can bring. It boils down to