England fans turned on Marcus Smith during their Nations Championship clash with South Africa, with the decision to deploy the fly-half at full-back once again coming under heavy scrutiny.
England were forced into a late change after George Furbank was ruled out with appendicitis, while Freddie Steward was also carrying an ankle injury.
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That left Smith, a world-class operator at fly-half, wearing the No.15 shirt against the Springboks.
However, the experiment quickly came under fire as South Africa raced into a commanding early lead, with supporters questioning Smith’s defensive positioning and tackling.
One fan wrote: “Marcus Smith is not a full-back. Can’t tackle for the life of him.”
Another added: “The Marcus Smith experiment has been ridiculous. He can’t tackle.”
A third wrote: “Marcus Smith is NOT a full-back! No high-ball presence and a revolving door in defence.”
Another supporter described the selection of Smith at 15 against the Springboks, at altitude, as “beggars belief”.
However, not everyone agreed with the criticism. One fan defended Smith, writing: “England fans quick to blame Marcus Smith for not making a world-class last-man tackle. It’s just not logical.”
The debate over Smith’s best position has followed England for several seasons, but his latest outing at full-back appears to have done little to convince his critics.
“Failed experiment” – England fans turn on one player during match against Springboks
England were forced into a late change with Marcus Smith once again deployed at fullback after George Furbank was ruled out with apendercitus.
Freddie Steward also carrying a knock.
Smith, who is a world-class fly-half, has frustrated fans at 15 and that continued. today again the Springboks.
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“Found wanting” – Five England players who flopped against the Springboks
Here are five England players who flopped at Ellis Park — and what Borthwick should do next.
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1. Tommy Freeman
Freeman was not helped by being deployed away from his usual position, where he has previously excelled for Northampton Saints and England.
The 25-year-old has all the physical attributes to be effective on the wing but continues to look less comfortable and less polished when used at outside centre.
He began poorly, conceding a penalty for not releasing inside the opening minute, and his overall display was uneven.
Freeman ended the match with a yellow card for shoulder-to-head contact with under ten minutes remaining, effectively ending England’s slim hopes of a comeback.
RugbyPass gave him a 4/10, writing: “Penalised moments into the match to give the Boks their platform to score their opening try, as England appeared totally shell-shocked.
“Linked nicely with Seb Atkinson in the midfield, and his ability to distribute following half breaks was often a source of attacking promise for England. His strong carry off a lineout gave England the momentum they needed for their second try.
“Shifted to the wing for the final 30 minutes, and while he looked more comfortable there, he was penalised for a high tackle on Damian Willemse, for which he was yellow carded.”
The Telegraph handed him the same rating, writing: “Costly yellow card for high tackle on Willemse. I will die on the hill that his considerable talents are wasted at centre.”
What Borthwick should do: Move him back to the wing.
