Sir Clive Woodward has unleashed a fierce critique of the Rugby Football Union's (RFU) review of England's lackluster performance in the Six Nations, despite his belief that the squad has the potential to turn the tables on the Springboks in their upcoming clash. Woodward, a former England coach who led the team to World Cup glory, described the review as more of a setback than a support system to current head coach Steve Borthwick, following England's dismal fifth-place finish.
The RFU confirmed earlier this week that Borthwick will retain his role through the 2027 World Cup despite the national team securing only a single win this season and facing an unprecedented loss to Italy. RFU CEO Bill Sweeney showed his support, highlighting Borthwick's “clear plans” to rectify the team's issues. However, Woodward remained critical of the review process itself, which he argued served no real purpose and lacked transparency.
"The RFU love a review because it offers zero accountability,"
Woodward expressed in his column for the Daily Mail. He pointed out that effective leadership would have seen immediate backing for Borthwick right after the defeat in Paris against France, rather than waiting until the end of the tournament.
Woodward also scoffed at the findings of the review, which cited "discipline, execution of opportunities, and making the most of key moments" as key downfalls.
"This was obvious in February. What have they been talking about for two months?"
Despite his harsh critique of the RFU's methods, Woodward sees a silver lining for England in their upcoming Nations Championship match against the reigning world champions, South Africa, on July 4 at Ellis Park. He acknowledged the strength of the English squad and the capabilities of the coaching staff to secure a victory.
Nevertheless, Woodward expressed concerns that the time elapsed since the Six Nations might have hindered Borthwick's ability to fully focus on strategizing against the Springboks. His apprehensions underscore the challenge ahead for England as they aim to reassert themselves on the international stage.
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Sir Clive Woodward has unleashed a fierce critique of the Rugby Football Union's (RFU) review of England's lackluster performance in the Six Nations, despite his belief that the squad has the potential to turn the tables on the Springboks in their upcoming clash. Woodward, a former England coach who led the team to World Cup glory, described the review as more of a setback than a support system to current head coach Steve Borthwick, following England's dismal fifth-place finish.
The RFU confirmed earlier this week that Borthwick will retain his role through the 2027 World Cup despite the national team securing only a single win this season and facing an unprecedented loss to Italy. RFU CEO Bill Sweeney showed his support, highlighting Borthwick's “clear plans” to rectify the team's issues. However, Woodward remained critical of the review process itself, which he argued served no real purpose and lacked transparency.
"The RFU love a review because it offers zero accountability,"
Woodward expressed in his column for the Daily Mail. He pointed out that effective leadership would have seen immediate backing for Borthwick right after the defeat in Paris against France, rather than waiting until the end of the tournament.
Woodward also scoffed at the findings of the review, which cited "discipline, execution of opportunities, and making the most of key moments" as key downfalls.
"This was obvious in February. What have they been talking about for two months?"
Despite his harsh critique of the RFU's methods, Woodward sees a silver lining for England in their upcoming Nations Championship match against the reigning world champions, South Africa, on July 4 at Ellis Park. He acknowledged the strength of the English squad and the capabilities of the coaching staff to secure a victory.
Nevertheless, Woodward expressed concerns that the time elapsed since the Six Nations might have hindered Borthwick's ability to fully focus on strategizing against the Springboks. His apprehensions underscore the challenge ahead for England as they aim to reassert themselves on the international stage.