"Hit piece" - Sir Clive Woodward's brutal George Ford verdict

Tuesday, 17 February 2026 at 19:12

bySteven Smith

Sir Clive Woodward has urged Steve Borthwick to make a decisive call at fly-half ahead of England’s clash with Ireland — including dropping George Ford and handing the reins to Fin Smith.

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Ford has played a limited role in the 2025 campaign so far, featuring for just 24 minutes off the bench during England’s record Round Five demolition of Wales in Cardiff last March. But Woodward believes the bigger issue lies with England’s attacking philosophy.

Writing in his latest column, the 2003 World Cup-winning coach did not hold back.

“It’s a big call on George Ford, but I would also replace him with Fin Smith,” explained Woodward. “It’s all very well saying Ford has a great kicking game and he does. But rugby is about more than just kicking. If England only want to kick and chase, then they may as well just play Aussie rules.

“I have seen so much talk about England kicking to compete and win back possession. Statistics seem to dominate that narrative. But coaching has to be about more than just numbers and there’s no doubt that tactic didn’t work at the weekend. I’d give Fin Smith the keys to No.10 for Ireland and tell him to get England’s attack moving.”

Woodward’s comments amount to a clear challenge to Borthwick’s current blueprint, questioning whether England have become too predictable with their territorial game.

However, despite the criticism, Borthwick has resisted any knee-jerk reaction and is expected to keep faith with Ford for the Ireland encounter.

The selection debate now centres on whether England double down on experience and control, or pivot towards a more expansive attacking shape with Smith at the helm.