Sir Clive Woodward launches scathing attack on old rival Eddie Jones
Today at 11:53 AM
Sir Clive Woodward has once again taken aim at Eddie Jones after England's commanding 59-14 victory over Japan in their final match of 2024.
The former England head coach believes that the game, held at Twickenham, offered little value to Steve Borthwick and his coaching team.
“This was not a Test match, it was a foregone conclusion,” Woodward wrote in his Daily Mail column. “Borthwick and his team learned absolutely nothing from this one-sided victory.”
Woodward also questioned the decision to face Japan, accusing Jones of mishandling the situation. “Eddie Jones was smiling at the final whistle, which was bizarre. He has lost the plot in so many ways and it is not helping the image of international rugby.”
While critical of Japan's performance, Woodward expressed hope for the future of the Brave Blossoms, who impressed during the 2019 Rugby World Cup. “Japan have had problems since then and through the Covid-19 pandemic, due to a lack of meaningful action. It showed,” he wrote. “I really hope Japan can get back on track, because the global game needs countries like them to be strong and competitive. Unfortunately, they weren't at Twickenham.”
Despite his optimism for Japan's recovery, Woodward suggested the match did little to benefit either team. “The match didn't do much for England and I don't think it did much for Japan, either.”
Woodward also recommended the RFU schedule a more competitive fixture for England's fourth autumn international. “The RFU should have ensured England's fourth autumn international was against Argentina. Yes, there would have been the risk of another defeat, but who cares? International rugby should be full-on, competitive games, not one-sided action. It would have been far more competitive against the Pumas,” he argued.
He concluded with concerns about England's defensive system, which he feels is still a significant issue. “That said, even Japan managed to expose England's defensive system, which is still all over the place. Steve Borthwick has to get that right for the Six Nations. Defence is about attitude and basic organisation and England are not scaring anyone at the moment, which is a real worry.”
Editors Picks:
- Owen Farrell's younger brother is taking Irish Rugby by storm!
- Statement: Ireland international centre jailed for three years
- Liam Williams leaves Japan and returns to the UK immediately to care for wife
- Piers Morgan Drops His All-Time British & Irish Lions Dream Team
England's EIGHT worst players during the Autumn Nations Series
England’s Autumn Nations Series has been one to forget, but at least it ended with a bang as Steve Borthwick's men demolished Eddie Jones' Japan 56-7 at Twickenham's Allianz Stadium.
The nine-try romp may have snapped a painful five-match losing streak, but it wasn't enough to paper over the cracks of a bruising campaign. Close defeats to New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa left fans and pundits unimpressed.
And it seems The Telegraph wasn't holding back, handing out some savage 5/10 ratings to eight players for their efforts across the series. Harsh? You decide.
Fin Baxter
“Could not quite carry over the momentum he established from the New Zealand tour. Possibly suffering from the equivalent of the tricky second album syndrome.”
Theo Dan
“There's a definite spark when he comes off the bench in terms of his ball-carrying but England's set piece does creak with him on the field.”
Dan Cole
“Like a Clint Eastwood Western character keeps postponing retirement for 'one last job'. England's scrum did wobble when he came on, but Borthwick will be desperate for him to stick around.”
George Martin
“Came in this campaign with minimal game time and it showed as he looked to be struggling to last the pace. Uncharacteristically made a few too many missed tackles.”
Nick Isiekwe
“Made very little impression coming on as a replacement aside from one stolen lineout against Japan. A decent performer in the Premiership but England need more dynamism.”
Alex Dombrandt
“Feels a clear area of upgrade for the Six Nations. Made little impression coming off the bench with his static carry and poor ball presentation leading to George Ford's skewed drop goal.”
George Ford
“The missed drop goal was unfortunate and certainly not all his fault so did not deserve to be booed the following week when the crowd thought he was replacing Smith. Will come again.”
Henry Slade
“Some exquisite touches but never truly grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck. How many times has that been written of Slade? Also appeared to be involved in several defensive doglegs.”
For the full ratings and context, visit The Telegraph website.
Can you name every England Rugby captain of the professional era?
Whether it’s the grit of Will Carling in the 90s, the tactical brilliance of Martin Johnson, or the fearless leadership of Owen Farrell, this quiz will challenge even the most dedicated fans.
Think you can name them all? Grab your boots and let’s see how well you know the men who led England into battle on the world stage!
The post Sir Clive Woodward launches scathing attack on old rival Eddie Jones appeared first on Ruck.
