Former England coach Clive Woodward has stirred the pot ahead of the Six Nations clash with Ireland by demanding Steve Borthwick make sweeping changes, notably ditching George Ford for Fin Smith at fly-half. Ford’s recent shaky performance, highlighted by a charged-down drop goal that led directly to a Scottish try, has sparked controversy and critique.
Woodward, known for his blunt assessments, did not hold back in his criticism. "It’s a big call on George Ford, but I would also replace him with Fin Smith," Woodward argued. "Ford has a great kicking game, but rugby is about more than just kicking. If England only want to kick and chase, then they may as well just play Aussie rules." This stinging rebuke was aimed at England's current tactical approach which Woodward feels is too reliant on kicking.
"I'd give Fin Smith the keys to No.10 for Ireland and tell him to get England's attack moving."
In addition to the pivot at fly-half, Woodward is calling for three more backline changes: George Furbank to replace Freddie Steward at full-back, Seb Atkinson to take over from Fraser Dingwall at inside centre, and Henry Pollock to start as openside flanker instead of Sam Underhill. Woodward’s push for an overhaul doesn’t stop at the backline; he also sees a critical need for a refreshed approach in the pack.
Discussing the broader team dynamics, Woodward pointed out the necessity of introducing Henry Pollock from the start, rather than as a replacement, to inject pace and energy into the squad from the get-go. “Pollock has won all of his seven caps to date as a replacement, but England’s mantra of having their best players on the bench caught up with them at Murrayfield,” he noted, signaling a tactical pivot that could energize the team.
The ex-coach also commented on disciplinary concerns, suggesting that Henry Arundell, facing a double yellow card review, should not receive a ban. His rationale underscores a belief in consistent, yet firm, disciplinary measures.
For the upcoming match, Woodward’s proposed line-up is as ambitious as his critiques are sharp, aiming to shake England out of complacency and into a dynamic new game plan designed to overcome their Irish rivals.
Clive Woodward’s England team to face Ireland: 15 George Furbank, 14 Tom Roebuck, 13 Tommy Freeman, 12 Seb Atkinson, 11 Henry Arundell, 10 Fin Smith, 9 Alex Mitchell, 8 Ben Earl, 7 Henry Pollock, 6 Guy Pepper, 5 Ollie Chessum, 4 Maro Itoje (c), 3 Joe Heyes, 2 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 1 Ellis Genge.
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Former England coach Clive Woodward has stirred the pot ahead of the Six Nations clash with Ireland by demanding Steve Borthwick make sweeping changes, notably ditching George Ford for Fin Smith at fly-half. Ford’s recent shaky performance, highlighted by a charged-down drop goal that led directly to a Scottish try, has sparked controversy and critique.
Woodward, known for his blunt assessments, did not hold back in his criticism. "It’s a big call on George Ford, but I would also replace him with Fin Smith," Woodward argued. "Ford has a great kicking game, but rugby is about more than just kicking. If England only want to kick and chase, then they may as well just play Aussie rules." This stinging rebuke was aimed at England's current tactical approach which Woodward feels is too reliant on kicking.
"I'd give Fin Smith the keys to No.10 for Ireland and tell him to get England's attack moving."
In addition to the pivot at fly-half, Woodward is calling for three more backline changes: George Furbank to replace Freddie Steward at full-back, Seb Atkinson to take over from Fraser Dingwall at inside centre, and Henry Pollock to start as openside flanker instead of Sam Underhill. Woodward’s push for an overhaul doesn’t stop at the backline; he also sees a critical need for a refreshed approach in the pack.
Discussing the broader team dynamics, Woodward pointed out the necessity of introducing Henry Pollock from the start, rather than as a replacement, to inject pace and energy into the squad from the get-go. “Pollock has won all of his seven caps to date as a replacement, but England’s mantra of having their best players on the bench caught up with them at Murrayfield,” he noted, signaling a tactical pivot that could energize the team.
The ex-coach also commented on disciplinary concerns, suggesting that Henry Arundell, facing a double yellow card review, should not receive a ban. His rationale underscores a belief in consistent, yet firm, disciplinary measures.
For the upcoming match, Woodward’s proposed line-up is as ambitious as his critiques are sharp, aiming to shake England out of complacency and into a dynamic new game plan designed to overcome their Irish rivals.
Clive Woodward’s England team to face Ireland: 15 George Furbank, 14 Tom Roebuck, 13 Tommy Freeman, 12 Seb Atkinson, 11 Henry Arundell, 10 Fin Smith, 9 Alex Mitchell, 8 Ben Earl, 7 Henry Pollock, 6 Guy Pepper, 5 Ollie Chessum, 4 Maro Itoje (c), 3 Joe Heyes, 2 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 1 Ellis Genge.