Steve Borthwick may be inclined to ring the changes following England's annihilation at French hands, but Danny Care is hopeful Marcus Smith keeps his coach's faith for Saturday's Guinness Six Nations curtain call in Dublin.
Titleholders France handed the English their largest-ever home defeat in the fifth round of this year's tournament, a game heralded by some as a passing of the torch between captain Owen Farrell and the rising Smith. Or at least it might have been had Les Bleus not wiped the floor with their all-too-hospitable hosts.
A 53-10 fleecing naturally led some to suggest Borthwick was wrong to drop Farrell in favour of the 24-year-old. But with so few chances to experiment ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, Care hopes his Harlequins team-mate gets more backing in Saturday's Test against Grand Slam-hunters Ireland, and beyond.
“I would like to think Marcus will still get another crack at it. He’s only been given one game," the 18-season Premiership veteran told Mirror Sport as he prepares to host the closing round of fixtures at Guinness' Super Saturday Fan Festival. The event—which will be held at the Outernet venue on London's Tottenham Court Road—gives fans the chance to pose questions to the Quins icon, as well as win tickets to the upcoming Women's Six Nations.
“It’s gonna be a hell of a challenge, because Ireland have been exceptional this tournament. I think that performance by France is probably one of the greatest Six Nations performances ever, and I think they’d have beaten Ireland [playing in that manner] as well."
Likewise, Care believes "it wouldn't have made a difference" whom England started at fly-half last Saturday, such were the levels at which France were operating. Fabien Galthie's only defeat in this year's competition remains a 32-19 second-round loss at the Aviva, all but ensuring Andy Farrell's side the Grand Slam.
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It's easy to forget Borthwick is still only several months into the head coach job, having replaced Eddie Jones in December, barely six months after he led Leicester Tigers back to the top of England's club pyramid. Care—who recently became Harlequins' all-time cap record-holder with his 352nd appearance—knows the depth among his country's ranks as well as any, but the lack of a proper identity continues to limit the squad.
“I think England need to work out what kind of team they’d like to be," opined the two-time Premiership champion. "At the moment, when I watch England, I think they want to be a really physical, abrasive, beat-you-up-with-the-forwards-type team, and unfortunately I don’t think they currently have the players that can do that game plan."
The void in quality was clear against France, mostly in the second half as Thibaud Flament, Charles Ollivon and Damian Penaud each completed a brace of tries. Sir Clive Woodward responded by suggesting speed, athleticism, fitness and mentality are the areas in which England must improve, but as Ireland and France both know, slumps are often required to inspire effective change.
"Not saying I’m a genius, but I called that France were going to win that game fairly comfortably a while ago," Care continued. "Because I think they’re three or four years [ahead of England] on the journey. They’ve had a bit of a dip four or five years ago, and [now] they’ve sorted their domestic league, they’ve sorted out their under-20s, their women’s programme, and the national team is just flying.
“This year was their year to peak [ahead of hosting the World Cup in September], and they’ve done it. But they’ve been four years in the making, whereas England haven’t had that, and it’s a bit of a reset. It’s gonna take time. . .they’re just a long way down [in] the journey the French have been on.”
Embracing Smith's higher-risk way of playing compared to Farrell could prove pivotal in that evolution, even if it means a threat of not winning in the short term. Care, 36, has acknowledged his bias in the debate considering he's excelled as a half-back pairing with Smith at club level, though he also showers Farrell with praise, highlighting the Saracens star has "all the attributes and ability of some of the best captains ever."
England's plans in Dublin will be hampered by the absence of Bath's Ollie Lawrence, who has provided a much-needed solution at centre. Whatever answers Borthwick gives to the questions England are facing, 87-times capped Care is looking forward to a new role in Super Saturday as he takes another step in a blossoming media career.
“I think it’s going to be a brilliant experience to sit down and watch three games back-to-back. And I think with everything going on in the tournament at the moment, what a brilliant Super Saturday it’s gonna be," predicted the English rugby legend. “It’s in a great space, something new, something different, but then also you get to see some unbelievable rugby played—and hear a tale or two from an old-timer!"
There are far worse ways to take in what promises to be a memorable day of rugby, where Care predicts Ireland will beat England to complete their third Six Nations Grand Slam. England are at the opposite end of the spectrum in regards to their current rebuild, and Borthwick will find no easy answers in his efforts to ensure the Red Rose blooms again in time for the World Cup.
Grab tickets here and join Danny Care this Saturday 18th March, for the ultimate screening of the Rugby Championship at the Guinness Six Nations Super Saturday Fan Festival at HERE at Outernet.
