England’s Young Playmaker Gets the Nod at No.10 Ahead of Marcus Smith and George Ford
Fin Smith will start at fly-half for England in Saturday’s Quilter Nations Series match against Fiji at Twickenham, as head coach Steve Borthwick continues to test combinations ahead of next year’s Six Nations campaign.
The 23-year-old Northampton Saints playmaker gets the opportunity to reclaim the No.10 shirt, with Marcus Smith moving to full-back and George Ford omitted from the matchday squad entirely.
Regular captain Maro Itoje has been named among the replacements, with Ellis Genge returning to the starting XV to captain England on the field.
“We’re continuing to explore our depth, especially in key decision-making positions,” Borthwick said. “Fin has worked hard for this opportunity and earned the right to lead our attack.”
Borthwick’s Rotations: Cunningham-South and Lawrence Return to Strengthen Depth
The England head coach has made wholesale changes for the clash at Allianz Stadium, introducing new combinations across the forward pack and backline.
One of the standout selections is Chandler Cunningham-South, who will make his first Test start at number eight. The 21-year-old London Irish forward, capable of playing both flanker and lock, has been promoted to the starting team as Borthwick looks to build depth in the back row following Tom Willis’ move to France, which has made him ineligible for international selection.
Meanwhile, Ollie Lawrence makes his long-awaited England comeback after a devastating Achilles tendon rupture in March during the Six Nations victory over Italy. The centre’s rapid recovery included the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and red-light rehabilitation, a process he documented on social media.
“It’s been a tough road, but I’m grateful to be back,” Lawrence said. “I just want to repay the faith the coaches have shown in me.”
With Tom Roebuck sidelined by an ankle injury, Tommy Freeman shifts back to the wing, opening space for Lawrence’s return to midfield.
Fin Smith Takes Command at Fly-Half — Marcus Smith Moved to Full-Back
The spotlight will firmly be on Fin Smith, who last started for England during the 2024 Six Nations, where he guided the team to four consecutive wins after an opening-round defeat to Ireland. That run secured England second place in the table, their best finish since winning the 2020 title.
However, the young fly-half admitted disappointment with his form on the British & Irish Lions tour, where Scotland’s Finn Russell dominated the Test selection.
Now, Smith has the chance to reassert himself as England’s long-term No.10, competing with both Marcus Smith and George Ford for the playmaking role.
“You don’t keep all your fly-halves happy — and that’s how it should be,” said assistant coach Kevin Sinfield. “At this level, someone is always frustrated, but their attitude and selflessness are what matter most. The competition for the No.10 shirt is healthy and pushes standards higher.”
Sinfield added that England now have the depth and versatility to rotate their fly-halves in the same way that New Zealand and South Africa have done successfully in recent years.
George Ford Left Out — Arundell and Opoku-Fordjour Among the Replacements
Veteran fly-half George Ford, who captained England during their summer tour of the Americas, has been left out of the matchday 23, signaling that Borthwick is prioritizing his younger attacking options this autumn.
Asher Opoku-Fordjour, the 21-year-old Sale Sharks prop, earns a place on the bench, continuing his rapid rise in international rugby. He replaces Will Stuart, while Bath’s Henry Arundell — back in England colours for the first time since the 2023 Rugby World Cup — is the only backline cover among the replacements.
“Asher’s been phenomenal in training,” said Genge. “He’s one of the strongest young players I’ve seen, and he’s got a great attitude.”
Ellis Genge Returns to Captain England at Twickenham
With Maro Itoje set to come on in the second half, Ellis Genge resumes leadership duties for England. The powerhouse prop has been vocal about the importance of aggression and emotion in rugby, recently telling BBC Sport that “rugby should relish animosity and physicality.”
Borthwick said Genge’s experience, energy, and leadership made him the natural choice to lead England against a Fiji team known for their flair and physical power.
“Ellis sets the tone for us,” Borthwick explained. “He’s emotional, honest, and plays with intensity. That’s exactly what we need against Fiji.”
England’s New-Look Line-Up vs Fiji
England starting XV:
M Smith; Freeman, Lawrence, Dingwall, Feyi-Waboso; F Smith, Mitchell; Genge (capt), Cowan-Dickie, Heyes, Coles, Chessum, Pepper, Earl, Cunningham-South.
Replacements: George, Baxter, Opoku-Fordjour, Itoje, T Curry, Pollock, Spencer, Arundell.
A Test of Adaptability and Composure
Saturday’s match will serve as a litmus test for England’s adaptability, as Borthwick continues to refine his side ahead of a packed international calendar.
England have won eight of their nine meetings with Fiji, most recently in the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final — a 30–24 thriller in Marseille. However, just two months before that, Fiji stunned England 30–22 at Twickenham, their first-ever win over the Red Roses.
“We know what Fiji bring — power, offload ability, unpredictability,” said Borthwick. “It’s a massive challenge, but exactly the kind of game we want at this stage of our development.”
England’s Next Generation Ready to Shine
The emergence of Fin Smith, Cunningham-South, and Opoku-Fordjour highlights Borthwick’s intent to build a new core of young leaders capable of blending England’s traditional set-piece strength with faster, more creative attacking play.
For Smith, the upcoming match represents more than just another cap — it’s a chance to cement his role as England’s playmaking future.
“Every player wants to make that shirt their own,” Smith said earlier this week. “You’ve just got to take your chance when it comes.”
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