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Freddie Steward’s resurgence in the England number 15 shirt during the November 2025 Tests has not just been a story of personal redemption. It underscores one of the most fascinating tactical debates in English rugby: Steward vs Marcus Smith at full-back.
After speaking to Freddie Steward, in a post match interview after the Argentina match, the Leicester Tigers Full back discussed how happy he was to be back in the England Squad
“It’s amazing to have the opportunity again, you get giddy, it’s like being a kid again to be back playing, with the prospect of playing in front of 80,000 is class, and loved being back out there for the Australia match”
Freddie Steward is the archetypal high-ball specialist. Towering, physical, and supremely reliable under the aerial contest, he has long offered England security, especially when rival teams use contestable kicking. His strengths lie in:
Aerial dominance: Steward is arguably England's go-to for winning high balls, which is invaluable when the kicking game intensifies.
Defensive solidity: With size and timing, he provides a robust last line of defense.
Improved attacking game: Over recent years, he’s worked hard to expand his range, not merely catching and clearing, but getting more involved in carries, offloads, and counterattacks.
In contrast, Marcus Smith brings a very different flavour to No. 15:
Creative spark and playmaking: Originally a fly-half, Smith has the vision, agility, and distribution instincts of a playmaker. He can act as a “second playmaker” from the back, orchestrating counterattacks. England coach Kevin Sinfield has praised his potential to shine in that role.
Acceleration and running threat: Smith’s speed and footwork make him dangerous in broken play; he's more likely to carve lines, beat defenders, and generate momentum.
Territorial impact: While he may lack the raw aerial presence of Steward, Smith compensates with his capacity to turn broken-ball situations into scoring opportunities.
Versatility: Smith has expressed a strong desire to remain a fly-half long-term, but his adaptability to 15 gives England tactical flexibility.
The choice between Steward and Smith at 15 is more than just personnel, it speaks to England’s broader strategic identity under Steve Borthwick, and how he wants to shape his backline.
Tactical Balance
With Steward, England continue to gain aerial assurance and defensive security. When the opposition plays a kicking game, Steward’s ability to win high balls allows England to neutralize that threat and launch counter-kicks or clearouts safely.
With Smith, England shift toward attack-minded fluency. His presence encourages a more expansive, running game. Smith can link with the playmakers, inject tempo, and offer unpredictability in broken play.
Risk vs Reward
Using Steward is arguably the safer bet: you know what you get under the high ball, and he rarely lets down the backfield.
Opting for Smith involves more risk: his aerial game is not Steward’s strength, and in certain defensive scenarios he might be more exposed. But the reward can be game-changing: extra creativity, counter-attack potency, and a genuine dual playmaker option (especially when combined with George Ford or Fin Smith at 10).
Squad Depth and Versatility
Smith’s ability to cover both 10 and 15 is a huge asset in squad-building. Borthwick has experimented with him at 15 precisely because it gives England positional flexibility and allows for different tactical alignments.
Steward, while more specialized, brings world-class aerial competence and stability, making him arguably irreplaceable in certain high-risk matches.
Steward’s return during the November tests, particularly his selection against Australia and then Argentina, is significant when seen through this lens:
Against Australia, England leaned on his aerial strength, a nod to how valuable his skill set is when the opposition tests the high ball. Even when suffering a finger injury, he stayed on, signalling his critical role as a defensive pillar. For the Argentina test, retaining Steward at 15, despite reshuffles elsewhere in the backline, reflected the coaching staff’s renewed trust in him, not just as a fallback option but as a cornerstone.
Meanwhile, Smith’s role hasn’t vanished. His presence looms as both a valid alternative and a tactical wildcard. In fact, in scenarios where England want to unleash a more fluid, attacking backline or need cover for fly-half, Smith remains a serious contender. When Steward has been unavailable, Smith, and on occasion, Daly has stepped in; but when the plan demands bomb-proof security, Steward is first choice, just like vs Argentina this past weekend, leaving Smith as an unused replacement..
The Steward–Smith dynamic is more than a positional rivalry. It represents a strategic crossroads for England:
Do they prioritize aerial safety and structure Freddie Steward?
Or do they lean into creative freedom and counterattacking ambition in Marcus Smith?
Borthwick’s current continued faith in Steward suggests he still values the traditional strengths of a No. 15, but the fact that Smith remains so in contention underscores England’s desire for positional adaptability and attacking variation.
Freddie Steward’s re-establishment in the England starting 15 is not just a personal triumph. It’s a signal that even in a modern, expansive game, there’s still a vital place for a full-back who can dominate the skies. But Marcus Smith remains a potent, game-changing alternative, one whose influence could define England’s attacking identity in the years to come. Now I’m Patiently waiting for George Furbank to return for a triple threat shootout for full back. Roll on 2026.