How Sir Clive Woodward wants England to line-up for Six Nations, drops Marcus Smith

byRugby Rucker

Sir Clive Woodward believes new head coach Steve Borthwick needs to make changes to the England team for the 2023 Six Nations.

Borthwick ready for England job:

Woodward wrote: "Borthwick has the ideal c.v. for a young head coach stepping into the international arena. He has enjoyed success as an international assistant with Japan and England before stepping up as head coach of one of Europe's biggest clubs, where he has thrived.

"You can never feel totally ready to be England head coach. The role comes with great expectation, not only from the fans but, more importantly, from the players.

The Six Nations will be a baptism of fire. Borthwick will be up against some serious coaches in Andy Farrell, Fabien Galthie, Warren Gatland and Gregor Townsend.

"But he is ready for those challenges and I am excited for him and English rugby again."

Drop Marcus Smith:

Woodward wrote in his column: "I would 100 per cent start Owen Farrell at 10 and well done to him as he prepares to win his 100th cap. I love everything about him as a player but he is not a world-beating 12."

Sir Clive Woodward backs Owen Farrell to start Fly-half against the All Blacks

Stick with van Poortvliet:

Woodward wrote: " I would keep Jack van Poortvliet at scrum-half because he looks so sharp and brings a pace to the game that Ben Youngs does not have."

Not convinced by wings:

Woodward wrote: "’m not convinced by the three wings Eddie keeps going with.

"There are some serious speedsters in the Premiership and I don’t think Joe Cokanasiga, Jack Nowell and Jonny May are at the top of the pile.

"I’d love to see him pick from guys like Tommy Freeman, Adam Radwan, Cadan Murley and Ollie Hassell-Collins."

Henry Slade of England and Jack Nowell, Vice Captain of England after the Autumn Nations Series Match between England and Argentina at Twickenham Stadium on 6 November 2022. Photo: Frankie OKeeffe/PPAUK

Sir Clive Woodward England XV

BACK-THREE:

15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers)
14. Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints)
11. Adam Radwan (Newcastle Falcons)

Freddie Steward of England goes over for a try during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Australia at Twickenham on 13 November 2021. Photo: Micah Crook/PPAUK

CENTRES:

13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs)
12. Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks)

Manu Tuilagi of England during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Tonga at Twickenham Stoop on 6 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

HALFBACKS:

10. Owen Farrell (Saracens)
9. Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers)

Owen Farrell (c) of the Saracens during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Bath Rugby and Saracens at the Recreation Ground on 17 Oct. Photo: Steve Haag/PPAUK

FRONT-ROW:

1. Ellis Genge (Leicester Tigers)
2. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs)
3. Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears)

Ellis Genge of England Rugby is tackled by Will Rowlands of Wales during the Six Nations Championship match between England and Wales at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on February 26th 2021. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK