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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Benjamin Goddard

Eddie Jones claims RFU interfering with Steve Borthwick selection amid Marcus Smith pick

Marcus Smith Steve Borthwick Eddie Jones RFU Owen Farrell England France Ireland Twickenham

Former England head coach Eddie Jones has accused the RFU of interfering with Steve Borthwick's team selection after Marcus Smith was picked to face last weekend France.

After impressing for club side Harlequins playmaker Smith was thrown into the England side which was dominated by France during a humiliating 53-10 defeat at Twickenham. England boss Steve Borthwick made a bold move ahead of the France game dropping captain Owen Farrell for the first time since 2015.

Borthwick claimed the move was right for his 'tactical plan' and said he was not to "playing games" or bowing down to outside pressure. However, his predecessor Jones feels that pressure would have been applied by RFU chiefs on Borthwick to make the key decision.

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