Sir Clive Woodward has slammed England playmakers Marcus Smith’s ‘MAD’ decision to deliberately kick the ball out of play with the scores level against the All Blacks.
Eddie Jones men scored three tries in a stunning final eight minutes to salvage an extraordinary draw after being outplayed by New Zealand for much of their Autumn Nations Series match at Twickenham.
Furious at Smith
A furious Woodward wrote: “If I’d been the England coach at Twickenham on Saturday night I’d have gone absolutely mad at Marcus Smith’s decision to kick the ball out and accept a draw.
“I’d have wanted to know why. For me, Smith’s option showed that England’s mentality isn’t in the same league as the other top teams.
“I don’t think New Zealand would have done that.
“I was so disappointed when Smith booted the ball out. Everyone around me watching at Twickenham felt the same way. A few looked at me and said a few words which are unprintable! It was hugely disappointing.
“I could understand the boos from the crowd.”
Unhappy with Jones
Woodward added: “ones’ post-match comments that he trusts the players to make those decisions don’t wash with me. Yes, England did well to rescue a share of the spoils.
“Yes, England did well to score 19 points in the final 10 minutes to take something from the game. And yes, New Zealand should have won.”
What Eddie Jones said:
“I thought New Zealand were superb in the first half. They were aggressive they won the ruck and when they had the opportunities they were able to score.
“We hung in there a lot and you always get the chance to attack, and we had that at the end.
“We put in some of the things we have worked on – running straighter, attacking gaps, quicker support play and it was fantastic.”
England player ratings vs New Zealand: 2022 Autumn Nations Series
In five words or less
15. Freddie Steward: Came alive late on. Class. 8
14. Jack Nowell (VC): Targeted. Defended decently throughout. 6
13. Manu Tuilagi: Limited impact. Some good carries. 6
12. Owen Farrell (C): Gave everything. Played through injury. 8
11. Jonny May: England’s tactics don’t suite him. 6
