I've been trying to be objective and think about why you would build that team around OF.
I haven't seen the the stats recently but of the 3 he's probably still the best place kicker, but by observation I'd say not by much over the past couple of years.
Leaving aside the liability of his dodgy technique and temperament he is the best defender of the 3.
We keep keep being told he's a great captain. Most of that is subjective but he doesn't look the sort of character I would have called a good leader when I was in the army, but be that as it may we have to take what we are currently being told.
And that's it as far as I can see.
On the other side of the ledger:
His distribution and play making is so plodding they've had to put a play maker at FB. Does the risk of a mistake there outweigh the benefit of having OF at 10? I'm not convinced. Much as I like and rate Smith I think I'd prefer a FB who knows his trade and is likely to be in the right position when Fiji inevitably break the defensive line . Kicking isn't part of Fiji's normal game plan but I bet we see a bit more of it to test Smith.
If England want to play a kicking game, of the 3 Ford is the best kicker out of hand and its not close. And Smith is the best at the little grubbers. I'm not sure about the other 2 but Ford's drop goal skills are going to be worrying every defence, causing them to push up a bit and concede penalties.
Smith is the best and most visionary play maker, I suppose its not that important if you want to play a turgid kicking game.
As for captain, there does appear to be a lack of calm heads around and Lawes, who I have rated quite highly in the past, didn't excel in Farrell's absence, but he wasn't bad.
Anyway, that's me thinking aloud and open to be corrected and we'll see what happens on Sunday.