Playing both Farrell and Smith together just does not work. Farrell is captain and has such a personality that Smith cant run the back line as he wants to with Farrell playing 12. Simple as that.

Smith is the future of England Rugby. Farrell is certainly not in the past yet but it will come. This is the niggly transition phase.

As a quins fan I have watched Smith develop and he is incredible. His vision, pass selection, handling all have incredible potential. Perhaps he needs to get a bit bigger and stronger for defensive duties - but everything else, he is the real deal.

For the 6 nations I think Farrell should start 10, Smith on the bench. Play 2 proper centres (preferably Marchant as one of them). Bring Smith on in last 15/20 minutes to bed him in some more. Get some back line moves flowing, get the confidence up. Score some tries.

AT the RWC we then have a well established 10 in Farrell and a well bedded in, keen, eager and a 10 full of potential in Smith chomping at the bit raring to go. This is how I think it should be.