Sir Clive Woodward is urging Steve Borthwick to bench a seasoned international player and opt for an enthusiastic young talent.
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The coach, who secured the 2003 World Cup victory, suggests that George Ford be replaced by Fin Smith at the number 10 position, regardless of the opponent.
Additionally, Woodward disclosed that, had it not been for Marcus Smith’s recent calf injury, he would have preferred him as the starting playmaker.
Woodward began: “There is no doubt Ford is a wonderful player.
“He always has been and at only 30, still has a huge amount to offer in the coming years. But the two Smiths — Marcus and Fin — can spark the sort of unpredictable, fast, and aggressive attacking game that England badly need.
“Ford is undoubtedly the safe option. But England need to let the handbrake off. If it was a risk playing Fin Smith, I could understand the decision. But it clearly isn’t because of his stunning form in the Premiership and Champions Cup this season.
“It’s more than obvious to me that he has something special about him. For a young player he can control a game very well. We saw that in Northampton’s European win at Munster.”
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“Nightmare” – Stuart Hogg included on list of WORST British & Irish Lions players
A countdown of the 5 worst lions players features two England players – but No 1 is beyond argument.
The list, compiled by Pundit Arena in 2017, features some players who were perhaps more unlucky than bad while others shouldn’t have been anywhere near the British & Irish Lions squad.
Scroll down to find out who mate their lost of the worst Lions players.
Pundit Arena’s WORST LIONS PLAYERS:
#5 – Stuart Hogg
PA: “ 2013 and 2017 went badly for the Scot. The Lions stuck by Hogg for the second Test in 2021 but was shaky under the high-ball and had no chance to shine in attack .”
RUCK: Just doesn’t seem to work out for Hoggy in the Lions with the harder he tries the tougher it gets
VERDICT: Justified
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