Woodward names the one 'major learning for the future' for Borthwick

Sir Clive Woodward has questioned the timing of England head coach Steve Borthwick’s substitutions after their 33-31 loss to France in the final round of the Guinness Six Nations.

The World Cup-winning coach was effusive in his praise of England after a third-place finish in the Championship, paying credit to Borthwick in his Daily Mail column after a “strong campaign” with “so many positives for England”.

The 68-year-old’s only criticism remains the timing of the substitutions made by the head coach, saying the changes made in Lyon were unnecessary.

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England raced to a 24-16 lead within seven minutes of the start of the second half, overturning a six-point deficit at half-time. Those tries preceded wholesale changes to England’s front-row.

England did not score again for another half-hour, as the hosts surged back into the lead. While there was nothing in the match to suggest those changes were the cause of France’s comeback, Woodward still feels they were not needed.

Points Flow Chart

France win +2

Time in lead

43

Mins in lead

26

53%

% Of Game In Lead

32%

67%

Possession Last 10 min

33%

3

Points Last 10 min

7

“One thing I’d still like Borthwick to do is a bit more thought on substitutions,” he wrote. “He replaced the entire front row early in the second half against France. Those switches included captain Jamie George.

“I don’t think they were needed. Neither was removing Henry Slade for Manu Tuilagi who was having a strong game. Why take off your best players, especially your captain? That’s a major learning for the future but overall, well done Steve.”

Woodward was particularly complimentary of Ellis Genge, crowning the loosehead as his player of the match. The Bristol Bears star was taken off as part of the front-row switch just moments after putting Ben Earl through a gap in the build-up to Marcus Smith’s try.

“I thought Ellis Genge was just outstanding and for me man of the match. He scrummaged well, was strong in defence, and showed some nice passing. There is no doubt England have got a more-than-promising team if they approach games with an all-out attacking mindset.”