Owen Farrell demotion not based on kicking as Marcus Smith takes fly-half mantle

Steve Borthwick insists Owen Farrell’s demotion to the bench was based on more than goalkicking as he made the shock decision to pick Marcus Smith at fly-half for England’s clash with France.

For the first time since 2015, Farrell has been overlooked for the number 10 jersey, with Borthwick displaying the ruthless streak in selection that has already accounted for Manu Tuilagi and Ben Youngs.

With England’s captain limited to a supporting role from the bench, Ellis Genge will lead the team in Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations clash at Twickenham until Farrell steps on to the pitch.

It has been a solid if unspectacular championship so far for the 31-year-old Saracen, who has started all three games, but his accuracy off the kicking tee has been an unacceptable 47 per cent.

Borthwick, however, insists that while his success rate of completing just seven out of 15 shots at goal was a factor in selection, it was only one of several.

“Every kicker has small dips and the great kickers always come back and improve their percentage,” England’s head coach said.

“I consider every aspect and you’d expect me to do that. I try to do this job as thoroughly as possible.

“Owen’s been kicking brilliantly in training this week, as has Marcus. There are wider aspects to be considered within this game and gameplan, not simply the goalkicking.

“If you were to track all the teams I’ve selected there have been some pretty bold decisions.

“I’ve tried to pick the right team for that game, I don’t consider how it will be perceived by the outside.

Relive the thrilling final quarter of our 2015 Six Nations clash against France at Twickenham