Borthwick to gamble on Farrell and Smith with Ford set for England axe

Marcus Smith expected to replace Steward at full-back.

FARRELL GAMBLE: Owen Farrell during a training session. Pic: Mike Egerton/PA Wire.

Steve Borthwick appears set to axe George Ford and install his captain Owen Farrell at fly-half for England’s World Cup quarter-final against Fiji with Marcus Smith expected to be given the nod at full-back.

In what would represent two of the boldest selection calls of Borthwick’s tenure, the captain Farrell is likely to revert to the No 10 jersey with the head coach – who announces his team on Friday – primed to employ Smith as the second playmaker from full-back.