Owen Farrell’s demotion isn’t based on kicking as Marcus Smith gets the fly’s half-mantle

Steve Borthwick insists Owen Farrell’s relegation to the bench was based on more than just a shot on goal, as he made the shocking decision to draft Marcus Smith in England’s semi-final against France. For the first time since 2015, Farrell was overlooked for the number 10 shirt, and Borthwick put up a relentless tackling streak that already included Manu Tuilagi and Ben Youngs.