Former English rugby icon Will Greenwood holds the view that Steve Borthwick’s team needs a significant shift in approach to avert a potential catastrophe at the upcoming Rugby World Cup.
In an unprecedented turn of events, the England team suffered their inaugural defeat against Fiji, marking their fifth loss in six matches and concluding their Rugby World Cup preparations on a disappointing note.
During the match at Twickenham, the Pacific Island team managed to secure three tries in the second half, exposing England’s vulnerable defense to their formidable strength.
“In a big game against any of the current top eight teams in the world right now, England’s chance of winning is as low as it has ever been,” began Greenwood in his column for The Telegraph.
“I watched the game surrounded by players from the England Cricket system, and without naming names or throwing any of them under the bus, they suggested that it seemed like England were going against everything currently in the world of sport.
“You set 300, we’ll score 301. You score four, we’ll score five. An offensive attitude, being ambitious. England are not quite grasping that.
“They are trying to go safe, sound, meaning you are always going to let a team stay in the game. They are happy to go 1-0 up and then that’s it.”
Greenwood continued: “Fiji looked more dynamic, athletic, ambitious, skilful. It almost felt that even if England scored, Fiji would go up the other end and take them apart. It’s one of the excellent Fiji teams.
“One question I asked a group of supporters at Twickenham was whether it is too late to change your coach right now, not in a facetious or negative manner, I was just interested.
“About 30 per cent of those people said ‘we need something to change’. And they’re right, something has to change.”
Five players Steve Borthwick should drop for World Cup opener, and who should replace them
Here’s the lowdown on five fellas who should be shown the door and swapped out before that showdown with Argentina.
#1. Dan Cole
Planet Rugby 2/10: “Can’t get around the field effectively enough. Set-piece is pretty strong but often exposed in the loose.”
Rugby Pass 3/10: “A first start since September 2019, the question must be asked is can England afford to have him involved when he is allergic to the ball? Just a single carry in 69 minutes.”
Evening Standard 3/10: “One of England’s finest servants, but at 36 England should have moved on by now.”
Replacement: Kyle Sinckler