"Farrell MUST be on the bench" - Sir Clive Woodward picks five England players who must start

Tuesday, 19 October 2021 at 10:13

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byRugby Rucker

Sir Clive Woodward has picked out five England players who ‘must start’ for Eddie Jones men during the Autumn Nations Series.

Writing in his column for the Mail Online, the 2003 World Cup-winning coach believes Jones 'must' bench his current captain Owen Farrell.

Woodward, who called for change prior to England’s dismal 2021 Six Nations campaign, believes the team have gone backwards since the 2019 World Cup – but the new generation is promising.

Find out who he thinks ‘must start in the Autumn below.

#1. Marcus Smith

Age: 22
Club: Harlequins
Position: Fly-half

Woodward wrote: "I've been beating the Smith drum for a long time and would have had him starting for England games long before this autumn.

Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 2 caps) during England Rugby training session at The Lensbury Hotel, Teddington, London on 28 Sept 2021. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

"He's an exceptional, potentially once-in-a-generation talent capable of transforming the way England attack and bringing all of their enormous firepower to bear. In that respect he reminds me of Jason Robinson.

"He can be a game-changer for England, just as Jason's incredible attacking threat added so much when he came over from rugby league, winning 51 caps between 2001 and 2007."

DID YOU KNOW? He moved to the United Kingdom at the age of thirteen from Asia and subsequently received a sports scholarship to attend Brighton College

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#2. Adam Radwan

Age: 23
Club: Newcastle Falcons
Position: Winger

Woodward wrote: "My wings would have been Adam Radwan and Louis Lynagh — pace, hunger and skill — but alas Lynagh has disappeared from the squad despite his fine start to the season."

DID YOU KNOW? The winger is the first Egyption to play for England

Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby, 51 caps) and Adam Radwan (Newcastle Falcons, 1 cap) during England Rugby training session at The Lensbury Hotel, Teddington, London on 28 Sept 2021. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

#3. Manu Tuilagi

Age: 30
Club: Sale Sharks
Position: Centre

Woodward wrote: "If Smith gets the nod, Farrell must go on the bench. England need a fit Manu Tuilagi — or someone with his qualities — playing 12. England must find a 10-12-13 combination that is going to frighten the world."

DID YOU KNOW? He was named Manusamoa, after the name of the Samoan national team

Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks, 43 caps) during England Rugby training session at The Lensbury Hotel, Teddington, London on 28 Sept 2021. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

#4. Henry Slade

Age: 28
Club: Exeter Chiefs
Position: Centre

Woodward wrote: "Manu at 12 and Henry Slade at 13 is as good as anything out there — all playing in their best positions."

DID YOU KNOW? Slade is the great nephew of former Portsmouth F.C. footballer Geoff Williamson

Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 40 caps) during England Rugby training session at The Lensbury Hotel, Teddington, London on 28 Sept 2021. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

#5. Tom Curry

Age: 23
Club: Sale Sharks
Position: Flanker

Woodward wrote: "Up front I'm alarmed at talk of Tom Curry at No 8. Don't England have two exceptional No 8s already in Sam Simmonds and Alex Dombrandt? Let one of them do their stuff in a back row with Curry at flanker. Make that tough decision."

DID YOU KNOW? He is the nephew of former England hooker John Olver

Tom Curry of England Rugby during the Autumn Nations Cup match between England and Georgia at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on November 14 2020. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK