Dropping Farrell for Smith a great call - Woodward

Previously, Marcus Smith and Owen Farrell formed a partnership at fly-half and inside centre

Starting Marcus Smith ahead of England captain Owen Farrell in Saturday's Six Nations match against France would be a "great call" by coach Steve Borthwick, says World Cup-winning former coach Sir Clive Woodward.

Woodward says Farrell has "huge respect" across the rugby world but coaches must sometimes go with their "gut instinct".

"We've all dropped big players," Woodward told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

"You have got to make those calls. It's still early days for Steve and, if you are going to make these big calls to try and find out your best starting team, you need to make them early in your career.

"I was looking forward to the game anyway, but even more so now that Smith starts at 10."

England are set to announce their team to face France at 13:30 GMT on Thursday.

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