Marcus Smith 'DROPPED' from England XV according to leaked XV

Wednesday, 15 March 2023 at 19:01

byRugby Rucker

Steve Borthwick is planning to use the same midfield trio that upset Ireland four years ago as England prepare to face them again in Dublin.

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This means Owen Farrell will likely take back the No. 10 position from Marcus Smith. This tactic proved successful in 2019, when England beat the reigning Grand Slam champions 32-20 in what is considered one of Eddie Jones' best victories as head coach.

According to the Mail Online, the trio of captain Farrell, Manu Tuilagi, and Henry Slade will be redeployed for the upcoming match.

They went onto say that: ' it is unclear whether Smith will be retained as a replacement – as is likely – or left out of the match-day 23 entirely, to make way for George Ford'.

With Ollie Chessum ruled out injured, South Africa-born lock David Ribbans is expected to come into the starting XV as the only change to a pack that got mauled last time out.

The men in white will travel to Dublin to take on Ireland at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday 18 March (5pm KO) in their final game of the championship.

Ireland v England is live on ITV and BBC Radio 5 Live.

LEAKED ENGLAND XV: Mail Online

15. Freddie Steward

Freddie Steward of England is tackled by Ardie Savea of New Zealand during the Autumn International Series match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham, London on 19 November 2022 (Photo: Micah Crook/PPAUK)

14. Max Malins

11. Anthony Watson

13. Henry Slade

12. Manu Tuilagi

Manu Tuilagi of England during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Australia at Twickenham on 13 November 2021. Photo: Micah Crook/PPAUK

10. Owen Farrell

9. Jack van Poortvliet

Ellis Genge

Ellis Genge of England during the Guinness Six Nations match between England and France at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on Saturday 11th March 2023 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.

2. Jamie George

3. Kyle Sinkler

4. Maro Itoje

A frustrated Maro Itoje of England during the Guinness Six Nations match between England and France at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on Saturday 11th March 2023 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.

5. David Ribbans

6. Lewis Ludlam

7. Jack Willis

Try Celebrations for Jack Willis of England as he goes over for a try during the Six Nations Match between England and Italy at Twickenham, London on 12 Feb 2023 (Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)

8. Alex Dombrandt