Rugby-England captain Farrell dropped for France clash as Smith steps in at flyhalf

(Reuters) – England captain Owen Farrell has been dropped for their Six Nations clash against France with coach Steve Borthwick choosing to start Marcus Smith at flyhalf for the game at Twickenham on Saturday.

Farrell, who has 104 caps and has been England captain since 2019, drops to the bench with prop Ellis Genge set to lead the side for the first time.

“The players selected to face our visitors are again a reflection of what I see to be the right balance of personnel for the challenge we face in this game,” Borthwick said.

“Marcus Smith starts at flyhalf and Dave Ribbans returns to the matchday 23.

“Congratulations to Ellis Genge who will captain the side for the first time. Ellis will lead from the front with the sort of dedication and spirit that now rightly typifies this England team.”

Smith was initially released from Borthwick’s training squad last month to get game time with his Premiership side Harlequins and the 24-year-old is set for his first England start since their opening round defeat by Scotland.

England are third in the standings after three matches, five points behind leaders Ireland who host Borthwick’s side in the final round.

ENGLAND SQUAD

15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 20 caps)

14. Max Malins (Saracens, 17 caps)

13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 54 caps)

12. Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby, 10 caps)

11. Anthony Watson (Leicester Tigers, 53 caps)

10. Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 20 caps)

9. Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers, 10 caps)

1. Ellis Genge (C) (Bristol Bears, 46 caps)

2. Jamie George (Saracens, 75 caps)

3. Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, 59 caps)

4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 65 caps)

5. Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 8 caps)

6. Lewis Ludlam (Northampton Saints, 17 caps)

7. Jack Willis (Toulouse, 8 caps)

8. Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins, 12 caps)

REPLACEMENTS

16. Jack Walker (Harlequins, 2 caps)

17. Mako Vunipola (Saracens, 77 caps)

18. Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 98 caps)

19. David Ribbans (Northampton Saints, 3 caps)

20. Ben Curry (Sale Sharks, 3 caps)

21. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, 3 caps)

22. Owen Farrell (Saracens, 104 caps)

23. Henry Arundell (London Irish, 5 caps)

(Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Ken Ferris)