Clive Woodward has slammed the RFU’s review into England’s disastrous Six Nations campaign but believes the team can bounce back against the Springboks.
The former England World Cup-winning coach launched a scathing attack on the process that followed England’s fifth-place finish, arguing it undermined head coach Steve Borthwick rather than supporting him.
The RFU on Tuesday confirmed Borthwick will remain in charge through to the 2027 World Cup after a post-tournament review into a campaign that saw England win just one match and suffer a first-ever defeat to Italy.
MORE: Beleaguered Borthwick gets RFU backing
CEO Bill Sweeney backed Borthwick, saying he had “clear plans” to address shortcomings, but Woodward believes the process itself was flawed.
“The release of the RFU’s findings following their review into England’s poor Six Nations campaign was as predictable as it was disappointing,” he wrote in his Daily Mail column. “In fact, I find the review process itself more disappointing than England’s fifth-place finish.
“Real leadership would have seen Bill Sweeney announce that Steve Borthwick was being backed as England head coach immediately after the Six Nations defeat by France in Paris.
“The RFU love a review because it offers zero accountability,” he added. “How can we trust a process when those involved aren’t willing to put their name to it?”
Woodward also questioned the value of the findings.
“I did chuckle when I saw the line about England’s performance being undermined by ‘discipline, execution of opportunities and making the most of key moments’.
“This was obvious in February. What have they been talking about for two months?”
HANSEN: Springboks will get beaten
Despite his criticism, Woodward believes England can challenge the world champions at Ellis Park on 4 July.
“They have the players and coaches to do so,” he said of the highly anticipated Nations Championship clash. “England can deliver a result.
“[But] I worry that the weeks that have passed have not allowed [Borthwick] to properly move on and focus on beating the Springboks.”
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
The post Sir Clive: England can ‘deliver a result’ against Boks appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Clive Woodward has slammed the RFU’s review into England’s disastrous Six Nations campaign but believes the team can bounce back against the Springboks.
The post Sir Clive: England can ‘deliver a result’ against Boks appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
