Sir Clive Woodward, the coach who led a Rugby World Cup-winning team, has criticized England for their continuous celebrations whenever they are awarded a penalty.
When England win a penalty or a turnover, their players all come together and celebrate as if they have just won the World Cup,” he wrote.
“We saw countless examples of these penalty celebrations in the win over Wales on Saturday.
“Maro Itoje, Jamie George and Ben Earl were at the fore for most of them.
“When England’s players all gather together to celebrate winning a penalty, they are actually hindering themselves. This is the main reason why I hate it so much.”
He continued: “What England’s players should be doing when winning a penalty is instantly assessing the options available. Is a quick tap and go on? Can we kick to a winger in space?” he wrote.
“Is an instant kick to touch possible with the opposition’s back three out of position?
“There are so many immediate attacking opportunities and none of these options are available to England because everyone is gathered around the ball celebrating like it’s a birthday party! Not only does this stop the game dead, it doesn’t help the spectacle.
“It also looks particularly childish. Once England are done celebrating, all they can do is kick to touch, go for goal, or opt for a scrum. Playing quickly is off the menu.”
“To overturn the red card completely is just so wrong.”
RUGBY QUIZ:
Five most hated rugby players, named and ranked:
We have curated a compilation of individuals who, through their actions on and off the field, have acquired a regrettable reputation within the game. Their notoriety extends beyond specific fan bases or clubs; it encompasses the entire rugby community.
#5. Dan Biggar (Wales)
Amusingly, Biggar epitomizes the kind of player who manages to invoke strong dislike until he becomes a part of your own team.
Over the course of his career, this fly-half has exhibited a growing penchant for passionately berating referees.
This behavior has reached such heights that Glove39, a renowned online personality and unwavering fan of Scotland, cleverly crafted a video titled ‘birdman.’
In this video, Glove39 humorously mimicked Biggar’s habitual arm-raising expression of frustration directed at officials.