“England plans to try Marcus Smith’s running abilities as a full-back in Saturday’s World Cup match against Chile.” Smith has played in the position during the second half of the last four matches, where he brings extra playmaking skills and becomes a quick and exciting player for counter-attacks.
The Harlequins fly-half, Marcus Smith, is getting ready to begin a match in the full-back position for the first time. England’s coach, Steve Borthwick, is making some changes to the team when they face the least challenging opponent in their group.
Owen Farrell has finished serving his four-match suspension for a dangerous tackle. He’s all set to play his first game since he made that illegal tackle against Wales on August 12th.
Farrell is going to be put back in his role as the main playmaker and captain when Borthwick announces the team for the game in Lille on Thursday evening.
There will be more changes, including starting hooker Theo Dan and newcomers David Ribbans and Jack Willis, who will play their first World Cup games. This new lineup will allow some of England’s top players to take a break.
Willis is vying for a competitive back-row spot, but Courtney Rhodes, Ben Earl, Tom Curry, Lewis Ludlum, and Bill Vunipola have dominated the season so far.
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I Don’t Think We’re a Group that Would Tolerate that
The players who missed out on wins against Argentina and Japan were forced to undergo grueling extra training, but Willis insists he held no grudge against the players who were waiting for their chance.
“Honestly, I don’t think we’re a group that would tolerate that. I don’t hold any grudge against the guys that are playing,” Willis said.
“We want our team to be successful. In this tournament, I want to achieve the best results I can, regardless of whether I’m in the starting lineup, on the bench, or as a substitute. They want what’s best for their team. ”
Talking about his role, the 26-year-old Toulouse player said, “We understand that the competition among the back row players is tough. None of us would feel upset about it because we all have unique skills. Our roles might change depending on the opponent. I need to stay focused and work hard to be in great physical shape so that I’m ready when the chance comes.”
Jack Willis is about to play in his first World Cup, which is a big moment for him after a challenging year. He had to leave Wasps and join Toulouse, where he won a top 14 title. Now, he’s excited to achieve his childhood dream.
“When I have that opportunity, I take a moment to think about it and think back to that little boy who was watching a World Cup game in his living room with his dad and little brother, trying to understand how special it was to be there. I’m going to do it.” And then he starts running at the World Cup.
“Steve Borthwick said when naming his squad that there would be fewer than a few hundred players to wear a World Cup shirt for England. “Sometimes we don’t think about how few people get the opportunity to do this and how special it is. Appreciate every moment and try to make the most of it.”
