England are giving strong consideration to fielding playmakers Marcus Smith and Fin Smith in their backline against France in the hope of igniting their Guinness Six Nations.
Marcus Smith has been first choice out-half since the 2023 World Cup but he could be moved to full-back for Saturday's Allianz Stadium showdown to accommodate his namesake’s promotion to the starting XV.
Fin Smith has made all seven of his previous Test appearances as a replacement, meaning his full debut would come in a game of critical importance with England playing to save their championship after losing 27-22 to Ireland in round one.
The Northampton rookie would have responsibility for directing the backline with Marcus Smith providing a counter-attacking threat from 15, a position he first filled at the World Cup and has occupied in cameos since.
Selecting two of English rugby’s most creative talents together would offer an extra dimension with the ball in hand, although Freddie Steward’s demotion at full-back would also rob the team of their aerial master.
"Marcus is obviously another set of eyes that are very opportunistic. 'Where’s the space? Who can I beat?’," attack coach Richard Wigglesworth said.
"But Freddie Steward brings an incredible level of high ball skill and a kick return that is incredibly decisive on the way back. There are competing demands that you are trading off all the time.
"We are blessed with having three 10s that can all play international rugby to a high level. Fin has had less chance than the rest at the moment, but he is really clear with his game, he is confident without being arrogant and wants to get better.
"He has all the things that you associate with top 10s. He’s really clear with what he wants and how to best position the team."
Cadan Murley has been ruled out against France after suffering a foot injury on his Test debut in Dublin on Saturday, but could return in time for the end of the Six Nations.
"We’re gutted for Cadan because what he’s done is overcome a huge amount of injuries," Wigglesworth added.
"He gets his opportunity, he scores and assists and then he’s not able to be in the mix again the week after. I’m delighted that he got his chance and really disappointed for him that it’s been taken away pretty quickly."
Wales are hopeful that back row Aaron Wainwright (above) could be fit for their crucial meeting with Italy in Rome despite suffering a nasty facial injury.
Wainwright was forced off during the early minutes of Wales' record 43-0 loss to France.
But while centre Owen Watkin is a definite absentee – and probably for the tournament remainder – due to a knee injury sustained in Paris, Wainwright, who did not suffer a fracture or concussion, has not been ruled out.
"The main issue was a fracture. He doesn’t have that fracture, so we are pretty hopeful he will be available," assistant coach Jonathan Humphreys told reporters at Wales’ training base in Nice.
"He had an unbelievable gash. He’s a tough kid and he’s like 'I’ll be alright, they can just stitch me back up’, but it’s a pretty bad gash.
"He has got eight days’ turnaround, so we are very hopeful, especially since he is desperate to play."
Elsewhere, full-back Liam Williams had a knee issue during the game, while number eight Taulupe Faletau was not available for selection, also due to knee trouble.
Humphreys added: "The only one who is definitely out is Owen [Watkin], and we are hopeful on the others. In the next sort of 24 hours we can make a definite on that."
