• Under-pressure coach may deploy Steward on wing
• Fin Smith eyeing up No 10 role in Six Nations opener

Steve Borthwick is giving strong consideration to shifting Marcus Smith to full-back and deploying Freddie Steward on the wing as he plots a course to England’s Six Nations opener against Ireland in Dublin.

Smith has started England’s last seven Tests at fly-half and was their most eye-catching performer during a disappointing autumn in which Borthwick’s side were beaten by New Zealand, Australia and South Africa. With George Furbank injured, however, Borthwick sees merit in moving Smith to the No 15 jersey, which would pave the way for either Fin Smith or George Ford to start at fly-half.