Sir Clive Woodward reveals the one change he'd make to England's XV

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The World Cup winner believes England’s clash with France was always set up to be a potential classic but 'it now promises to be a humdinger'.

Woodward delivered his verdict of the XV in his column for the Mail Online, going over four key points.

Woodward said: "It is a huge call from Borthwick to leave his captain Owen Farrell on the bench and replace him at fly-half with Smith. 

"Yet once again, I have to applaud Borthwick for his selection decision. In his short stint in charge of the team, he has already shown that he has no favourites and is not afraid to make tough calls.

"He is demonstrating he has all the skills to be an international coach of the highest quality. Borthwick has got the rest of us guessing right now.

"Every England fan turning up at Twickenham on Saturday will be hugely excited about the match because Smith is playing. He is the sort of player supporters want to watch.

"From England’s perspective, it’s important Smith plays a part in a winning cause. But on a wider point, it’s important players like him excite the crowd. That’s how rugby grows as a sport."

Woodward wrote: "England’s back row of Lewis Ludlam, Jack Willis and Alex Dombrandt went well in the win over Wales but they will have to step up again. France are much better opposition."

Woodward said: "With Farrell among the replacements, Ellis Genge takes over the captaincy. I’m very pleased for Genge, whose elevation to England skipper caps his remarkable story. Again, I think that is a very canny decision by Borthwick."

Woodward added: "I’m sure Farrell, who I am still a great fan of, will be very disappointed to be dropped to the bench.

"At his very best, Farrell still starts for England in my view. But now he knows he has a real challenger for the 10 shirt.

"I am pleased he is on the bench and not playing 12, which was sending him and England backwards. He must now fully focus on being one of, if not the best 10s in world rugby. Playing Farrell at 12 has not helped him or England."