Sir Clive Woodward believes Owen Farrell shouldn't come straight back into the XV for this summer's tour of Australia.
“If Smith gets the nod, Farrell must go on the bench. England need a fit Manu Tuilagi — or someone with his qualities — playing 12. England must find a 10-12-13 combination that is going to frighten the world,” Woodward wrote.
“I don’t think Smith and Farrell together will worry those teams who have kicked on since Japan 2019. Smith (or Farrell) at 10, Manu at 12 and Henry Slade at 13 is as good as anything out there — all playing in their best positions.
“Playing George Ford and Farrell together hasn’t worked, including in the World Cup final, and Eddie will be making the same mistake if he opts for a Smith/Farrell combination."
WOODWARD'S GUN ENGLAND XV
BACK-THREE:
- 15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers)
- 14. Ollie Hassell-Collins (London Irish)
- 11. Adam Radwan (Newcastle Falcons)
Woodward wrote: "Steward has something special about him, he is clearly very strong mentally, and now I would like to see those attacking skills more fully deployed at full back to complement his defensive qualities.
"If England are going to try a few players —something that should have been done two years ago — why haven’t we seen Adam Radwan or Ollie Hassell-Collins get extended runs in big matches that really count?"
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. Marcus Smith (Harlequins)
- 9. Harry Randall (Bristol Bears)
Woodward wrote: "Other than a determination to give Marcus Smith an extended run at 10, which I applaud, I have no idea what England’s first-choice back division looks like. It changes every week."
Marcus Smith of England scores a penalty during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Australia at Twickenham on 13 November 2021. Photo: Micah Crook/PPAUK
FRONT-ROW:
- 1. Ellis Genge (Leicester Tigers)
- 2. Jamie Blamire (Newcastle Falcons)
- 3. Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears)
Ellis Genge of England celebrates after winning with his son Ragh Ellis during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Tonga at Twickenham Stoop on 6 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
SECOND-ROW:
- 4. Maro Itoje (Saracens)
- 5. Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints)
Woodward wrote: "Courtney Lawes or Itoje are as good as it gets for your second row."
Final whistle celebrations for Maro Itoje of England Rugby after the Six Nations Championship match between England and Wales at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on February 26th 2021. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
BACK-ROW:
- 6. Sam Simmonds (Exeter Chiefs)
- 7. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks)
- 8. Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins)
Woodward wrote: "Assuming full fitness, the back row should be Tom Curry at seven, Sam Simmonds at six and Alex Dombrandt at No 8."
Tom Curry of England Rugby during the Six Nations Championship match between England and Italy at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on January 13 2021. - PHOTO: Micah Crook/PPAUK
