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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Duncan Bech

Owen Farrell demotion not based on kicking as Marcus Smith takes fly-half mantle

Owen Farrell Marcus Smith Steve Borthwick Ellis Genge England

Steve Borthwick insists Owen Farrell’s demotion to the bench was based on more than goalkicking as he made the shock decision to pick Marcus Smith at fly-half for England’s clash with France.

For the first time since 2015, Farrell has been overlooked for the number 10 jersey, with Borthwick displaying the ruthless streak in selection that has already accounted for Manu Tuilagi and Ben Youngs.

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