Former England coach Sir Clive Woodward has shared his doubts over Steve Borthwick’s leadership, pointing out what he sees as a lack of a winning culture among the players. His comments come after England’s narrow loss to South Africa at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium, marking their fifth defeat in a row.
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“Worst Result of the Lot”
“England’s third straight autumn defeat – and fifth consecutive loss – came as no surprise given the calibre of opposition in back-to-back world champions South Africa,” Woodward wrote. “But this was the worst result of the lot this November. England were naïve. This was a game they should have won.”
Despite England showing promise in the second half, Woodward was critical of their failure to capitalize. “Let me explain. England weren’t miles off it. I actually thought they were going to win the game in the second half because they had momentum. The problem was they didn’t take it.”
A Lesson in Decision-Making
Woodward reflected on his own coaching experience. “I coached international rugby for a long, long time and I learned a lot of lessons in that time. I was never perfect. But the key was to learn from your experiences,” he explained. Highlighting a crucial turning point, he added, “When they were nine points down, they earned a number of penalties from which they simply had to go for goal. Marcus Smith was kicking well.”
Leadership Woes
Woodward didn’t hold back on England’s leadership struggles: “England can name all the leaders they want, but it’s irrelevant because nobody on the pitch can get the big calls right. Once again, England were on the wrong side of the fine margins.”
He emphasized a recurring pattern: “It’s becoming a recurring theme. That’s five games in a row now – if you include the two July losses to the All Blacks alongside the November losses – and they have all followed the same pattern. England could and perhaps should have won all three matches this month. But the reason they haven’t is down to the fact that they cannot get the big moments right.”
Celebrations Without the Wins
One of Woodward’s most pointed criticisms was reserved for the players’ behavior after the final whistle: “I’m not saying England’s players are simply accepting defeat. But I hate the fact that minutes after the full-time whistle and following yet another loss, the players are smiling, waving and playing with their children on the field.”
He didn’t mince words on the matter: “The time to bring your family on the pitch is when you’ve won a World Cup, a Grand Slam, or a Six Nations title. Not after a fifth straight loss.”
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Five England players Steve Borthwick should drop – and who should replace them
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Here’s how each player fared, with ratings from multiple outlets:
#1. Freddie Steward – High Ball Hero, Defensive Zero?
Average Rating: 4.75/10
- Evening Standard (5/10):
“Handed a first start this autumn due to his ability under the high ball, but struggled. Williams and Kolbe skinned him for their tries.” - Telegraph (5/10):
“Definition of sublime and ridiculous. Left clutching thin air for both Grant Williams’ and Cheslin Kolbe’s tries and at one stage did a face plant. Also some brilliant high-ball takes.” - Express (4/10):
“At fault for tries by Kolbe and Williams as he endured a difficult return to starting line-up.” - Rugby Pass (5/10):
“Exposed defensively for two tries, despite strong aerial work.”
Replacement: George Furbank – He shouldn’t have been dropped in the first place.
#2. Ellis Genge – The Genge Rollercoaster
Average Rating: 4.5/10
- Evening Standard (5/10):
“Let Williams slip past him as the scrum-half went over for South Africa’s opening try. Improved after that, though, and was bright in the loose – but not at his best.” - Express (4/10):
“Scrum problems in first half, usual full-blooded commitment for an hour.”
Replacement: Fin Baxter – Genge’s leadership was strong, but a change may be needed in the tighthead role.
#3. Ollie Lawrence – Hits, Misses, and a Bit More of the Same
Average Rating: 5/10
- Telegraph (5/10):
“Barely used as a ball-carrier again. Put one huge hit on Manie Libbok but also wasted a good attacking opportunity with a needless kick. Disappointing.” - Planet Rugby (5/10):
“Solid in attack but caught out in defense, continuing the trend of inconsistency.” - Express (5/10):
“Hit hard and carried hard, but in this fixture that is a minimum requirement.”
Replacement: Alex Lozowski – Needs to step in to provide more stability and spark in attack.
#4. Will Stuart – Scrum Woes and Penalty Troubles
Average Rating: 4.5/10
- Telegraph (4/10):
“Difficult to overlook the succession of three penalties, even if the third seemed harsh. Did get one back at the scrum in the second half.” - Express (5/10):
“England again unable to build any sort of attacking platform from their scrum against the mighty Boks.”
Replacement: Dan Cole – Still England’s best tighthead.
#5. Jack van Poortvliet – Struggling to Find His Rhythm
Average Rating: 4.5/10
- Evening Standard (5/10):
“Shaky at times and repeatedly had his box-kicks charged down.” - Planet Rugby (5/10):
“Never fully recovered from a shaky start, with multiple box kicks charged down by du Toit and Etzebeth.” - Express (3/10):
“First start in a long while and it showed. Repeatedly charged down at the base.” - Telegraph (5/10):
“Etzebeth made him his bunny, charging him down twice in a hesitant early performance.”
Replacement: Ben Spencer – Should’ve been given more game time from the start.
