FULL-BACK IN BUSINESS

Smith recalled to starting XV as Borthwick gambles in midfield

- BY ADAM HATHAWAY

MARCUS SMITH'S return to the starting XV for England's trip to Cardiff on Saturday is the headline in Steve Borthwick's selection - but there are sub-plots aplenty.

The head coach does not have a reputation as a gambler but he has put his chips on the table in a radical shake-up of his backline.

The selections are a risk but also point to Borthwick (above) going for the bonus point that could be vital if France slip up against Scotland and hand England a first Six Nations title since 2020.

Winger Tommy Freeman gets a first start at outside centre, Elliot Daly is shifted to the wing and Ollie Sleightholme, with six tries in eight internationals, is ditched from the other flank in favour of Sale's Tom Roebuck.