While Keir Starmer’s arrival in Downing Street now seems a foregone conclusion, another battle for No 10 this summer looks rather tougher to call. Steve Borthwick will step into the polling booth ahead of England’s tour of Japan and New Zealand with two contrasting, compelling candidates on his ballot paper – for Marcus and Fin Smith, opportunity knocks.
It was in no uncertain terms that Borthwick outlined the chance available to the two fly-halves on Monday. Having been forced to leave his Six Nations starter George Ford at home due to an achilles injury, the England head coach opted for only two specialists at the position in his 36-man squad, setting up a straight shootout between two of the most gifted playmakers in the country.
