Danny Care’s England career might be over after he became the latest England player to be withdrawn by Eddie Jones before half-time in a Test.
However, Sir Clive Woodward believes it was the right decision with the former England boss believing Care should have never started the game.
“In the build-up to the third Test, I made it clear I could not understand why Jack van Poortvliet had been dropped to the bench after such an impressive display the previous week,” wrote Woodward.
“It was a massive error. Care had a really poor half an hour, but Jones realised he had made a mistake and rectified it quickly. It takes guts to do that and his move paid off. Van Poortvliet made a huge difference when he came on.”
“I feel sorry for Danny. It is tough on any player when they are hooked out of the game so early and not for an injury or tactical reasons.
“But in Test rugby there can be no room for sentiment. I’ll repeat – it was the right call to replace him.”
WOODWARD: MY TOP THREE ENGLAND PLAYERS THIS SERIES
#3. Owen Farrell
Woodward wrote: “Farrell also excelled. I thought he was excellent in Sydney up against the giant Kerevi, who had a brilliant game. Kerevi is a fearsome opponent, but Farrell matched him and never took a backward step.”
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