MARSEILLE, France – Marcus Smith has been named fullback for England’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final against Fiji on Sunday.
The call sees captain Owen Farrell moved to flyhalf and George Ford on the bench in the boldest selection decision of Steve Borthwick’s England tenure.
Freddie Steward, who was previously first-choice full-back, withdraws from the matchday squad.
Elsewhere, Manu Tuilagi moves to inside centre, Joe Marchant is at outside center and Elliot Daly is named on the wing.
But it’s the call to start Smith and drop Ford that is Borthwick’s most notable selection. Smith is usually a fly-half but has been used as an impact replacement at full-back and now takes Steward’s place for England’s quarter-final clash.
“The knockout stages of any Rugby World Cup are always full of excitement and anticipation for our supporters, both at home and here in France,” Borthwick said.
“It will be no different. The players can’t wait for Sunday’s quarter-final against Fiji. Everyone knows how unpredictable and dangerous opposition Fiji can be.
“However, we showed in the group stages how we can win matches, and we will use this experience and determination to continue our journey.
“We are really looking forward to returning to the special atmosphere at the Stade de Marseille, where we started our campaign in September with a victory against Argentina.
“I’ve said it before, but it’s only fair to repeat, our supporters contributed to a very special evening on this occasion, and I have no doubt it will be another memorable evening this Sunday.”
England:
Marcus Smith, Jonny May, Joe Marchant, Manu Tuilagi, Elliot Daly, Owen Farrell (captain), Alex Mitchell; Ben Earl, Tom Curry, Courtney Lawes, Ollie Chessum, Maro Itoje, Dan Cole, Jamie George, Ellis Genge
Substitutes: Theo Dan, Joe Marler, Kyle Sinckler, George Martin, Billy Vunipola, Danny Care, George Ford, Ollie Lawrence
