From unassailable to unable to force his way into the starting XV, only the shares of the Blockbuster have tanked quite as quickly as those of Marcus Smith.

Marcus Smith took his demotion on the chin according to boss Steve Borthwick – who then handed the Harlequin a licence to thrill against Italy on Sunday, if he gets on. The benched 26-year-old has paid the price for defensive lapses in England’s 16-15 win over Scotland and his side’s inability to get him involved in attack.

England coach Steve Borthwick insists Marcus Smith can remain a "game-changer" despite dropping him to the bench for Sunday's Six Nations clash against Italy at Twickenham.

Head coach Steve Borthwick has named his 23-man England squad to take on Italy in the fourth round of the Six Nations Championship.

Every Six Nations fan who is not Irish will be hoping that the French have the wherewithal to win in Dublin next Saturday. That is not anti-Irish sentiment, it is a natural desire for the excitement around the tournament’s title challenge to go right to the last round.

By Martyn Herman LONDON (Reuters) -England have dropped Marcus Smith for Sunday's Six Nations clash against Italy at Twickenham with Elliot Daly replacing him as coach Steve Borthwick makes three changes to the line-up that began the narrow victory over Scotland.

England coach Steve Borthwick has dropped Marcus Smith from his starting side for the Six Nations clash against Italy at Twickenham on Sunday. With Fin Smith retained at fly-half in the team announced by Borthwick on Wednesday,