Sir Clive Woodward asserts that the encounter with Samoa was a pivotal moment for England, shedding light on specific areas requiring attention.
He believes that England narrowly averted a formidable challenge, emphasizing that the onus of critical decision-making for the forthcoming quarter-finals now lies squarely on the shoulders of head coach Steve Borthwick.
In his recent column, the former 2003 World Cup-winning coach emphasises the need for England to inject more speed into their team and ensure that every player is positioned optimally.
Woodward suggests that for their quarter-final encounter with Fiji, England should consider implementing four substantial changes.
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Much changed backline:
He wrote: "Next week I would have Marcus Smith at full-back, Arundell on one wing, Freddie Steward on the other, Tuilagi at 12 and Farrell at 10, Alex Mitchell at nine, although Danny Care made the tackle at the end of the match which won the game."
Henry Arundell of England during the Summer Nations Series Match between England and Wales at Twickenham, London on 12 Aug 2023 (Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)
Bring in Zach Mercer:
He wrote: "One decision Borthwick can make is to bring Gloucester’s No 8 Zach Mercer into the squad, replacing the injured Jack Willis, as he can up the tempo.
"England are slow from 1 to 15. We have got some amazing players but I would be very serious about sending for Mercer, who is a quick back-rower, now there is a spot available."
Zach Mercer (Gloucester Rugby) during the Premiership Rugby Content Capture Day at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on September 27th 2023. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
Powerhouse front-row:
He wrote: "Kyle Sinckler and Ellis Genge should start at prop and I would be telling those guys: ‘You are going to play 80 minutes.’
"Then, with Jamie George at hooker, England have got half a chance. They have got to go out and say they are going to score tries. It is knockout rugby and Fiji will be better than Samoa."
Kyle Sinckler of England looks to offload during the Autumn Nations Match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on 20 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
Drop Ollie Chessum:
He wrote: "I would have Lawes in the second row, with Maro Itoje and a back row of Mercer at No 8, with Ben Earl at six alongside just to get some more pace into the whole thing."
Ollie Chessum of England beats the tackle of Matt Fagerson of Scotland during the Six Nations Championship, Calcutta Cup match between England and Scotland at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on February 4th 2023. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
Sir Clive Woodward's England XV:
15. Marcus Smith
14. Henry Arundell
13. Joe Marchant
12. Manu Tuilagi
11. Freddie Steward
10. Owen Farrell
9. Alex Mitchell
1. Ellis Genge
2. Jamie George
3. Kyle Sinckler
4. Maro Itoje
5. Courtney Lawes
6. Ben Earl
7. Tom Curry
8. Zach Mercer
