Rugby-Marcus Smith wins race to start as England's No. 10 against Japan

FILE PHOTO: Rugby Union - Summer Series - England Training - Pennyhill Park, Bagshot, Britain - May 28, 2024 England's Marcus Smith during training Action Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs

(Reuters) - Marcus Smith will start at flyhalf for England ahead of namesake Fin Smith as coach Steve Borthwick made four enforced changes for their first test of the summer series in Japan on Saturday that could also see powerful wing Tom Roebuck handed his debut.

With Owen Farrell and George Ford unavailable, Marcus Smith has been handed the number 10 jersey to partner scrumhalf Alex Mitchell in England’s first ever test against their hosts in Japan. Fin Smith is among the replacements.