Sir Clive Woodward believes Eddie Jones needs to make changes to his England team ahead of their clash with the All Blacks this weekend.
New Zealand have won their last six matches, but lost six of the previous eight. That run came close to costing Jones’ counterpart Ian Foster his job.
Drop Marcus Smith:
Woodward wrote: “I would 100 per cent start Owen Farrell at 10 and well done to him as he prepares to win his 100th cap. I love everything about him as a player but he is not a world-beating 12.”
“He will no doubt stick with Marcus Smith and Farrell but that combination will not fill any top tier team with fear.”
Maro Itoje back to the second-row:
Woodward wrote: “I would stick with Sam Simmonds at No 8, but I would move Maro Itoje to lock and bring more speed into the back-row.
Stick with van Poortvliet:
Woodward wrote: ” I would keep Jack van Poortvliet at scrum-half because he looks so sharp and brings a pace to the game that Ben Youngs does not have.”
Not convinced by wings:
Woodward wrote: “’m not convinced by the three wings Eddie keeps going with.
“There are some serious speedsters in the Premiership and I don’t think Joe Cokanasiga, Jack Nowell and Jonny May are at the top of the pile.
“I’d love to see him pick from guys like Tommy Freeman, Adam Radwan, Cadan Murley and Ollie Hassell-Collins.”
Sir Clive Woodward England XV
BACK-THREE:
- 15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers)
- 14. Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints)
- 11. Adam Radwan (Newcastle Falcons)
CENTRES:
- 13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs)
- 12. Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks)
