Woodward demands Borthwick stamps out 'rubbish' England antics
The Owen Farrell red card and the late-game England comeback dominated the commentary coming out of last Saturday’s Summer Nations Series match versus Wales at Twickenham. However, it didn’t go unnoticed the goading behaviour of some English players whenever their team won a penalty or a turnover.
It’s a carry-on that was debated on social media and ex-England coach Clive Woodward has now waded into the fuss, demanding that current head coach Steve Borthwick get a grip on this type of celebration, branding it an ugly look just weeks out from the start of the Rugby World Cup with the September 9 clash versus Argentina in Marseille.
Woodward has a reputation for never pulling his punches in his Sportsmail columns and his latest contribution had last weekend’s on-pitch behaviours in the crosshairs. “I absolutely hate the incessant celebrating by England’s players each time the team win a penalty,” he began, jumping straight into the topic.
“It’s awful and has to stop. I could never, ever imagine coaching a side that did that because it does not reflect well at all on those involved, including the head coach. As England’s boss, Steve Borthwick has to get a handle on it now because it is not a good look for the national side.
“The celebrating, which sees all the players needlessly going absolutely nuts, is symptomatic of wider problems. When England win a penalty or a turnover, their players all come together and celebrate as if they have just won the World Cup. They aren’t the only team to do this, by the way.
“Sometimes, England even do it when a member of the opposition makes a mistake. I’m not a fan of that either. We saw countless examples of these penalty celebrations in the win over Wales on Saturday. Maro Itoje, Jamie George and Ben Earl were at the fore for most of them.”
What especially riled Woodward was that the celebrations neutered the potential for England to quickly restart play and take advantage of a defence not being set or back three players being out of position.
“There are so many immediate attacking opportunities and none of these options are available to England because everyone is gathered around the ball celebrating like it’s a birthday party! Not only does this stop the game dead, it doesn’t help the spectacle,” he continued.
“It also looks particularly childish. Once England are done celebrating, all they can do is kick to touch, go for goal, or opt for a scrum. Playing quickly is off the menu.
“England’s players would probably say their celebrating is a way of motivating and congratulating their teammates and a pressure release in what is an intense environment. What utter nonsense. If you need to gee up players who are representing England, then they should not be on the field in the first place.”
Woodward took issue with one particular example. “There was one incident in the win over Wales where England won a scrum penalty after an opposition knock-on. Itoje pumps the air like he is dancing in a nightclub. Earl and Jack Willis celebrate individually then hug each other!
“Max Malins, who wasn’t involved in the play, comes in from the wing to give everyone a tap and join the party. Why? Malins should be staying out wide, ready to attack or be part of the next phase.
“I don’t personally know anybody in rugby who approves of teams doing this. It’s complete rubbish. I can’t see a single reason why it’s a positive.”
- Click here to read the full Clive Woodward Sportsmail column
Comments on RugbyPass
Tamati Tua. …the Taniwha NPC midfielder. Ollie Sapsford, Hawkes Bay NPC midfielder…doing well
1 Go to commentsFiji deserve to be in the rugby championship, fans love seeing the Fijian national team play, the Fijian Drua is a wonderful idea but the players can still be stolen to play for NZ and AUS…
1 Go to commentsThe first concern for this afternoon are wheather forecast…
1 Go to commentsWhy cant I watch Rugby games please?
1 Go to commentsBeautiful shot from Finau, end of story. Gutted for Shaun Stevenson though.
4 Go to commentsThe Chiefs definitely didn’t win ugly. They had the superior scrum, a dominant lineout, and their defence was excellent once the Waratahs scored their two tries (thanks to some lucky refereeing calls mind you). They put pressure on the Waratahs lineout throughout the game, and the mind boggles as to why the referee did not award a yellow card or a penalty try against the Waratahs for repeated scrum infringements on their own try line before Narawa’s first try. And the Chiefs were slick with their passing and running angles on attack. It was a dominant performance all round, even with many questionable refereeing decisions.
1 Go to commentsWasnt late. Ref 2 assistants andTMO all saw it so who are you to say it was?
4 Go to commentsAre the Brumbies playing the Blues twice in a row?
4 Go to commentsBig difference from the Saders. Forwards really muscled up and laid a solid platform. Scooter brought some steel and I liked the loosie combination. Newell has been rather disappointing this season but stepped up big time - happy also to see Franks dot down. He should do that more often! Reihana had a good game and there seems to be more flair and invention with him in the saddle. McNicoll plays well from the back and is reliable plus inventive when he joins the line. Keep it up chaps!
3 Go to comments🤦♂️🤣 who cares who’s the best . All I know is the All Blacks have the star coach but have few star players now …
33 Go to commentsJe suis sûr que Farrell est impatient de jouer avec Lopez et Machenaud et d’être entraîné par Collazo… 🤭
1 Go to commentsAn on field red (aka a full red) in SRP must surely carry a bigger suspension than a red card given by the bunker as that carries a 20 minute team punishment. Had Damon Murphy abdicated his responsibility as a ref and issued both Drua players a yellow, which would have been upgraded to a 20 minute red by the bunker, that would have killed Australia and New Zealand’s push for the 20 minute red to be trialled globally from July this year.
11 Go to commentsEver so often you all post a Danny Care story that isn’t the announcement that he has finally re-signed for one more, victory tour season at Quins and I’m just like, “well you fooled me again!” My absolute favorite player ever, we need to make his final year at the Stoop (and Twickers) official already. I know he supposedly snubbed France but I won’t feel better until he signs.
1 Go to commentslate hit what late hit it wasn’t at all late and can clearly see he was committed before the tackle
4 Go to commentsChristian Lio -Willies 2 try perfomance was a standout. As was captain Scott Barrett. Up front was where the boys won it.They are a great team and players. Fantastic Crusaders , you can keep going.
3 Go to commentsI don't know how the locals feel about that? I guess if you call yourselves the Worcester Wasps that might be appease. But really we need more teams in the Premiership in my view so they are not padding it out as they are at the moment. It might curtail so many players going abroad as well
5 Go to commentsNZ 😭😭😭is certainly rivaling England for best whingers cup!😭😭😭 !!!
33 Go to commentsYup. New Zealand won 3 out of 10 world cups played. SA 4 out of 8 attempts 30 Vs 50 per cent.🤔🤔
33 Go to commentsShould've done this years ago. Change Saturday kick off times to around 11am. Up and off and back home before 3pm, limit travel time too. Allows players to actually do something else with their Saturday that's family oriented or being rugby fans they could ‘watch’ pro rugby. Increases crowds etc. How can anyone that enjoys grassroots and pro rugby have to choose between the two on Saturdays?
9 Go to commentsI bet he inspired those supporters just as much.
1 Go to comments