England vs Scotland: Fin Smith stays at fly-half with Marcus Smith at full-back for Calcutta Cup clash
Fin Smith retained at fly-half for Calcutta Cup clash vs Scotland as Marcus Smith deployed at full-back again; Ollie Chessum replaces George Martin in only change from France victory as England seek first Calcutta Cup triumph since 2020; Martin initially named on bench but later ruled out
Wednesday 19 February 2025 22:38, UK
Steve Borthwick has stuck with Fin Smith at fly-half and Marcus Smith at full-back for England's Six Nations clash against Scotland.
England return to Twickenham on Saturday tasked with avoiding a record fifth consecutive Calcutta Cup defeat to Scotland.
Northampton fly-half Fin Smith has once again been entrusted with the 10 shirt after inspiring England to a last-gasp 26-25 victory over France on his first Test start on February 8.
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The 22-year-old provided two try assists and the game-clinching conversion in a player-of-the-match performance as England ended a seven-match losing streak against Tier 1 opposition.
Borthwick has seen no reason to tinker with a winning formula, with Marcus Smith switching to full-back once again to facilitate Fin Smith at fly-half.
Chessum returns for England
Ollie Chessum replaces George Martin in England's only change following the victory over France.
Chessum will operate alongside Maro Itoje in the second row in a direct swap for Martin, who initially dropped to the bench for the Calcutta Cup showdown but has since pulled out due to a knee injury and been replaced by by Bath's Ted Hill.
It will be Chessum's first start for England since last year's Six Nations having been ruled out of the summer tour to Japan and New Zealand and the autumn series by shoulder and knee injuries.
"We are looking forward to what will be another challenging and exciting match against Scotland," Borthwick said.
"The Calcutta Cup is a special fixture, and we are determined to perform to our very best in front of our supporters at Allianz Stadium."
Feyi-Waboso to miss remainder of tournament
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso will continue to remain on the sidelines during the Six Nations after deciding to undergo shoulder surgery.
The 22-year-old winger had previously opted not to undergo surgery on a dislocated shoulder sustained before Christmas after discussions between his club Exeter and England.
Borthwick said earlier this month that he could be back before the end of the tournament, but Feyi-Waboso posted a photo of himself in hospital following surgery, captioned "minor setbacks, we go again".
Feyi-Waboso was shortlisted for World Rugby's breakthrough player of 2024 after scoring five tries in his first eight England appearances.
England team to face Scotland
Starting XV: 15 Marcus Smith, 14 Tommy Freeman, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 12 Henry Slade, 11 Ollie Sleightholme, 10 Fin Smith, 9 Alex Mitchell; 1 Ellis Genge, 2 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 3 Will Stuart, 4 Maro Itoje (c), 5 Ollie Chessum, 6 Tom Curry, 7 Ben Earl, 8 Tom Willis.
Replacements: 16 Jamie George, 17 Fin Baxter, 18 Joe Heyes, 19 Ted Hill, 20 Chandler Cunningham-South, 21 Ben Curry, 22 Harry Randall, 23 Elliot Daly.
Borthwick backs 'world-class goal-kicker' Marcus Smith
England boss Borthwick has backed "world-class goal-kicker" Marcus Smith to rediscover his aim from the tee during, having wastefully skewed a conversion and a penalty during a 10-minute spell in the second half of their victory over France.
"He's a world-class goal-kicker; we all know that, so it's very simple," Borthwick said. "Listen, Marcus is a game-changer, a player with incredible ability.
"Sometimes, the opposition focuses very much on him. Sometimes, that creates space for others. Sometimes, there will be a window for him to find.
"With Fin Smith and Marcus Smith, we have two ball players, two people who see space in the frontline and in the backfield, and that's going to be very important this weekend."
Analysis: Chessum change makes sense - but watch for Townsend tweak
Sky Sports News' James Cole:
Having beaten France 10 days ago, it is little surprise that Steve Borthwick has opted for consistency against Scotland.
The one change - to bring Ollie Chessum into the second row - makes a lot of sense. Chessum was excellent off the bench against France; he carried hard, got over the gain line and shored-up England's creaking lineout.
The selection also means England will continue with the Fin Smith-Marcus Smith partnership at fly-half and full-back. Both are 10s by trade, but England want both talented playmakers on the field and have therefore shifted Marcus Smith to 15.
Fin Smith was hugely impressive on his first international start. His game looks perfectly suited to Test rugby and his connection with Northampton team-mates Tommy Freeman, Ollie Sleightholme and Alex Mitchell added fluency to England's attack.
Marcus Smith's move to full-back was less convincing - but there were signs that it's a ploy that could work long-term and it's certainly worth persevering with against a Scotland side that typically kick long, rather than high.
That said - don't be surprised if we see Gregor Townsend tweak that gameplan and target the 5ft 10in Harlequin aerially.
Six Nations - As it stands
Six Nations fixtures: Round 3
Saturday February 22
Wales vs Ireland (2.15pm)
England vs Scotland (4.45pm)
Sunday February 23
Italy vs France (3pm)
