Back-line may feature one survivor from Ireland defeat
Ben Spencer, Cadan Murley and Seb Atkinson in frame
Steve Borthwick is ready to radically overhaul his misfiring England side for the Six Nations clash against Italy on Saturday, with Fin Smith expected to be handed the No 10 jersey.
The Northampton fly-half sat out training on Monday because of illness but England have been quick to allay fears that his participation against Italy is in doubt. Provided he recovers, Smith is expected to start at fly-half in place of George Ford.
Since the tour of Argentina last summer, Ford has established himself as Borthwick’s first-choice fly-half but he endured a miserable outing against Ireland and was jeered by supporters after twice missing touch with kicks to the corner. Smith, meanwhile, has played a bit-part role in the championship to date.
