Why Marcus Smith should be given the opportunity to start as full-back in the Rugby World Cup 2023 quarter-final – Insights from Ashton

Marcus Smith Should Start at Full-Back for England in World Cup Quarter-Finals

Former international wing Chris Ashton believes that Marcus Smith should be chosen to start as England’s full-back in their upcoming World Cup quarter-final against Fiji. This would mean captain Owen Farrell taking the fly-half position, replacing George Ford.

In their pool-stage victory against Chile with a score of 71-0, Smith started as a full-back and showcased his skills. Impressed by his performance, Ashton is confident that he is ready to take on the pressure of a World Cup knockout match.

I’ve seen enough of him at number 15 to confidently say he should start a World Cup quarter-final against Fiji,” said Ashton during an interview with Rugby Union Daily.

The decision will ultimately be made by head coach Steve Borthwick when he announces the team lineup on Friday. Choosing Smith as full-back would bring a fast-paced attack to the game, especially after working on speed with Olympic great Daley Thompson.

Although primarily known as a fly-half, Smith may lack some defensive and aerial abilities compared to Freddie Steward who currently holds the position. However, these skills might not be crucial against Fiji as they are not well-known for their kicking game.

In recent matches where Farrell was suspended and Ford took over at fly-half, both players showed remarkable performances individually and together during last Saturday’s narrow win of 18-17 against Samoa. Former England captain Matt Dawson even expressed surprise if Farrell were to replace Steward for the quarter-final match.

Aside from the full-back position, Borthwick will also have to make decisions regarding Steward’s role as a winger and which centers should combine in the midfield. Options include Manu Tuilagi, Ollie Lawrence, Joe Marchant, and Elliot Daly.

If Smith is chosen at full-back and Farrell takes up fly-half as Ashton suggests, it would result in a significantly different backline compared to their previous encounter with Fiji in August. In that match, Ford played at 10 and Steward at 15 when England suffered their first defeat against Fiji at Twickenham.

Ashton believes that playing Farrell at fly-half creates an opportunity for Smith to shine as full-back: “If we’re going with Owen at number 10 because that’s how Steve [Borthwick] and Wiggy [England attack coach Richard Wigglesworth] believe the game is best controlled – plus he’s our captain – then we need someone like Marcus who can bring attacking variety.”

“Every time Marcus has been on the pitch as a full-back, he has transformed our attack,” added Ashton. With no next week guaranteed in this knockout stage of the World Cup tournament, taking risks becomes essential for success.