Clive Woodward calls out Borthwick subs despite getting England beating Italy

13 February 2023 , 16:54

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Sir Clive Woodward speaks ahead of the Six Nations Rugby match between England and Italy (Image: Alex Davidson - RFU/The RFU Collection via Getty Images)

Former England coach Clive Woodward has criticised the use of current chief Steve Borthwick’s substitutions.

The Red and Whites recorded their first victory of the 2023 Six Nations with a 31-14 win over Italy at Twickenham on Saturday. The result lifted England to third in the table and, after a disappointing loss to Scotland, it was just what the doctor ordered.

Writing in his column for the MailOnline, while he was pleased with the win the 2003 World Cup-winning coach says England will have to improve markedly to win future matches in the competition against stronger opposition and questioned some decisions made by Borthwick.

“Steve Borthwick has got the monkey off his back as head coach by recording his first win, but now comes the real challenge. We will find out so much more about England in their next three games,” the 67-year-old said.

“Their forwards did a good job. I was hoping England would build on that in the second period, but it didn’t happen. Part of that was because Italy were much improved after the break. But again, I don’t think England helped themselves with their use of substitutions. Borthwick’s poor use of replacements cost England victory against Scotland.

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“Against Italy, I didn’t see the need to make changes. Kyle Sinckler was injured, but at the start of a new England era I’d like to see England keep a settled team on the field for as long as possible to help the players work on combinations. Yes, Henry Arundell and Alex Mitchell made an impact by combining for a try. But I didn’t see the need for Mako Vunipola to replace Ellis Genge or for Marcus Smith to come on.

“Farrell was going perfectly well at No 10, as was Lawrence outside him as he carried and carried relentlessly. He got his rewards with a deserved player of the match award.”

Steve Borthwick recorded his first win as England manager with a 31-14 win over Italy at the Six Nations (Getty Images)

While Borthwick saw his England rugby team win for the first time he still told them immediately that they must get better.

“It’s a small step forward and that’s what we’ve got to keep doing," Borthwick said. "There was a lot of disappointment [against Scotland] but the players worked hard to remedy that. I’m proud of them, but we’ve got to be better than that.” England scored a total of five tries, including one for an emotional Jack Willis two years after suffering a devastating knee injury in the same fixture.

But, as was the case in losing to Scotland, they faded in the second half against opponents they have never failed to beat, before finding a second wind to secure the win. “We’re in a situation where we’re in a competition. You see the games [on Saturday], high quality games," Borthwick added.

“These teams are in the final year of their four-year plan. They’ve used the four years really well and now they’re putting the finishing touches to it.

"They know their selection, they’re arriving at the World Cup with the right number of caps, they’ve spent the right amount of time together as players and a coaching group. We’re not in that situation.” England’s next Six Nations assignment is a trip to the Principality Stadium to face winless Wales on Saturday.

Liam Llewellyn