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'Immense credit' to Smith as he takes Borthwick's brutal axe on the chin

- BY ADAM HATHAWAY

MARCUS SMITH took his demotion on the chin according to boss Steve Borthwick who has handed the Harlequin star a licence to thrill against Italy, if he gets on.

The benched 26-year-old has paid the price for defensive lapses in England's 16-15 win over Scotland and his side's inability to get him involved in attack.

Borthwick has banked on the high ball expertise of Elliot Daly (circle) at full-back to neutralise Italy's expected aerial assault.

Borthwick delivered his bombshell to Smith on Tuesday, leaving the player crestfallen but not feeling sorry for himself.

The head coach has urged Smith, who has won 42 caps, to run rings around the Italians in the last quarter on Sunday as England seek a win of real authority after the one-point victories against France and the Scots.