Ollie Sleightholme and Tom Willis have both been brought into the team to face France, after warmer conversations with Borthwick, who defended his decision to name both Smiths in the starting line-up for the first time. Ben Curry, however, was another victim of the ‘Borthwick Walk’ as he drops to the bench.

England coach Steve Borthwick has said he is excited to unleash the Fin Smith, Marcus Smith combination against France at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham on Saturday.

FORMER Ireland full-back Geordan Murphy has taken aim at England boss Steve Borthwick. The ex-Leicester star spent his entire professional career with Leicester Tigers in the English Premiership,