NICK CAIN

Steve Borthwick is paid to make tough calls, and credit to him for grasping the Marcus Smith-Owen Farrell nettle and bringing a halt to the 10-12 partnership snagging England progress.
With Borthwick making the decision to start his captain, Farrell, at fly-half against Italy and put Smith on the bench, there is at last a sense of balance about England’s backline.
Farrell’s impressive form for Saracens at 10 this season deserves to be rewarded, even though Smith has hit the ground running after returning from injury. It is also encouraging to see Ollie Lawrence get another chance...