England must go all-out for tries against Wales to keep their Six Nations title hopes alive—Borthwick considers a radical strategy

Steve Borthwick is ready to shake up England’s Six Nations finale with a daring tactical move—potentially fielding all three of his fly-halves simultaneously in a high-stakes clash against Wales. With Fin Smith starting at No. 10, Marcus Smith shifting to full-back, and George Ford returning from the bench, England could deploy an unprecedented triple-playmaker system as they chase a title that still remains mathematically within reach.

The bold selection comes amid four personnel and three positional changes to the starting XV. Notably, Borthwick sees Fin Smith as a viable inside-centre option, opening the door for an all-out attacking shift if England need late tries in Cardiff. Their title chances depend on securing a four-try win while hoping for an Irish or French slip-up—an outcome that has historically eluded them in Wales.

“We want to put ourselves in a position to win the tournament,” Borthwick said. “Fin Smith is a standout defender and I can see him playing as a 10-12 in the future. George Ford has been incredible in the squad, and having him come on to finish the game is a great position for us.”

Borthwick’s reshuffle includes a new-look pack, with Luke Cowan-Dickie replacing Jamie George at hooker, Ben Curry coming in at flanker, and Ben Earl shifting to No. 8. In the backline, Tommy Freeman moves to outside-centre, Tom Roebuck earns his first start, and Elliot Daly shifts to the left wing. Rising star Henry Pollock could make his debut from the bench.

England’s title hopes are slim, but Borthwick remains defiant. “Every England supporter expects us to aim to win,” he declared. “That’s exactly what we intend to do.”

With France the clear favourites and history against them, England must produce something extraordinary in Cardiff. Whether Borthwick’s high-risk strategy pays off could define his tenure—and England’s Six Nations future.