Sir Clive Woodward tells Steve Borthwick to drop 65-cap star for Six Nations opener

Monday, 02 February 2026 at 08:19

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byRugby Rucker

Sir Clive Woodward believes Tom Curry may have to settle for a place on the bench when England begin their Six Nations campaign against Wales.

The World Cup-winning coach wants Steve Borthwick to instead unleash exciting youngster Henry Pollock from the start — and give him the full 80 minutes rather than another late cameo.

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Woodward was impressed by England’s use of impact replacements in the autumn, but insists Pollock’s talent is too good to be limited to a 20-minute burst.

He wrote in the Mail Online:

“Bringing on the likes of Tom Curry and Henry Pollock as replacements clearly worked for England in the autumn.

“But I would want to start with Pollock and have his talent on the field for 80 minutes, not 20!

“The balance of England’s back row won’t be an issue against Wales. I would like to see if Guy Pepper, Pollock and Ben Earl can go head-to-head with the best back rows in the tournament.

“The strength in depth of the current England squad is as good as I’ve known it for some years.”

Woodward also urged Borthwick to keep faith in Tommy Freeman at outside centre, arguing England’s midfield has been a problem area for too long.

“Tommy Freeman has to stay at outside centre and so long as he is fit, must remain there,” he said.

“The midfield pairing has been England’s Achilles’ heel for so long.

“Steve Borthwick has a raft of options to choose from, but this is where the art of being a top international coach comes in. Nailing your selection is a coach’s No 1 skill.

“You have to be prepared to live or die by the calls you make.”

Alongside Freeman, Woodward would bring in Seb Atkinson, convinced he would have featured in the autumn had injury not struck.

“I’d go for Seb Atkinson alongside Freeman. I’m sure he would have played in the autumn were it not for injury.”

At full-back, he welcomed the return of George Furbank, claiming his presence gives England even more attacking edge.

“Having George Furbank fit again at full back adds another strength to what is already a very good England team.

“With George Ford, Atkinson and Furbank all in the same side, England have the footballing ability to unleash their strike runners in Freeman, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Tom Roebuck.”

And while injuries mean England’s pack is close to picking itself, Woodward remains adamant the best players should start rather than finish.

“England’s pack arguably picks itself with injuries to props Fin Baxter and Will Stuart, but I still come from the school where I want my best team starting.”