Sir Clive Woodward demands Steve Borthwick drops 105-cap star

Monday, 16 February 2026 at 18:30

byRugby Rucker

Former England World Cup-winning boss Sir Clive Woodward has called on Steve Borthwick to make a ruthless selection call in the wake of England’s defeat to Scotland — urging him to drop veteran fly-half George Ford and hand control to rising star Fin Smith.

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Writing in his column, Woodward insisted England must move beyond a predictable kicking strategy, arguing that the current approach is stifling the team’s attacking potential.

“It’s a big call on George Ford, but I would also replace him with Fin Smith,” Woodward wrote.

“It’s all very well saying Ford has a great kicking game — and he does. But rugby is about more than just kicking. If England only want to kick and chase then they may as well just play Aussie Rules.”

Ford, who has amassed 105 caps for his country, has long been trusted for his game management and tactical kicking. But Woodward believes England’s reliance on statistics and territorial kicking has become a crutch rather than a weapon.

“I have seen so much talk about England kicking to compete and win back possession. Statistics seem to dominate that narrative. But coaching has to be about more than just numbers and there’s no doubt that tactic didn’t work at the weekend.”

‘Give Fin Smith the keys’

Woodward’s solution is bold but clear: back youth and unleash England’s attacking instincts.

“I’d give Fin Smith the keys to No 10 for Ireland and tell him to get England’s attack moving.”

The former head coach also questioned England’s bench strategy, suggesting the policy of holding back game-changers cost them dearly at Murrayfield.

He highlighted dynamic forward Henry Pollock as a player capable of providing genuine spark.

“England need some X-Factor players in their side and Pollock undoubtedly provides that in spades,” Woodward added.
“Pollock has won all of his seven caps to date as a replacement, but I think England’s mantra of having their best players on the bench caught up with them at Murrayfield.”

With Ireland next on the horizon, pressure is mounting on Borthwick to respond. Whether he sticks with experience in Ford or rolls the dice with Smith could define England’s campaign — and determine whether Woodward’s warning proves prophetic.

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Six Nations Team Of The Week: Round Two

1. Danilo Fischetti (Italy)

After conceding an early scrum penalty, Fischetti responded brilliantly. He grew into the contest against Thomas Clarkson and finished the first half in complete control, folding the Irish scrum to force a change at the break. Busy in the loose and combative throughout, it was a powerful display.

2. Julien Marchand (France)

Not flawless, but effective. Marchand’s handling wobbled at times, yet he threw accurately and stayed active. He was the beneficiary of France’s rolling maul early in the second half, dotting down to cap a solid showing.

3. Simone Ferrari (Italy)

Ferrari set the tone with a thunderous early hit on Garry Ringrose and never let up. His scrummaging was equally imposing, winning a key penalty before half-time and backing it up after the restart in a combative performance.

4. Gregor Brown (Scotland)

Brown’s work-rate was immense. Alongside Scott Cummings, he helped halt an England maul in a pivotal moment. Tireless in defence, he repeatedly hit, bounced up and reset to frustrate the visitors.

5. Scott Cummings (Scotland)

A dependable presence in the engine room. Cummings secured valuable lineout ball and put his body on the line in defence, completing 18 tackles in a gritty, disciplined display.

6. Michele Lamaro (Italy)

A captain’s performance. Lamaro was relentless at the breakdown, producing a huge counter-ruck and crucial turnover near his own line. Ferocious in contact and inspirational throughout.

7. Jamie Ritchie (Scotland)

Penalised twice and forced off with a knee injury at half-time, but Ritchie more than justified his recall. He was physical, disruptive and capped his impact with a well-taken try.

8. Ben Earl (England)

England lacked rhythm, but Earl never stopped carrying. He racked up 23 carries and topped the tackle count, showing sharp footwork in tight spaces. Rewarded with a late try in a tireless individual effort.

9. Antoine Dupont (France)

“Dupont is so back.” Electric from the outset, he tore Wales apart with sharp breaks and a sublime early offload to spark the opening try. He departed after 58 minutes with the damage already done.

10. Finn Russell (Scotland)

Russell lit up the Calcutta Cup. His creativity unlocked England repeatedly, including a superb slap pass for Huw Jones’ try. He controlled territory with smart kicking and finished with 11 points in a masterclass display.

11. Kyle Steyn (Scotland)

A constant threat with over 80 metres gained and a string of defenders beaten. Outstanding under the high ball and brave despite a heavy aerial challenge, Steyn earned man-of-the-match honours.

12. Stuart McCloskey (Ireland)

Backed up last week’s form with another assured display. He provided a perfectly timed assist for Jamie Osborne’s try and delivered a stunning long pass in the build-up to another score.

13. Huw Jones (Scotland)

Clinical as ever against England. Jones crossed early and added another after the break, posing a constant attacking threat. A big-game player who once again delivered on the biggest stage.

14. Theo Attissogbe (France)

A livewire on the right edge. Attissogbe threatened early, set up Jalibert after a sharp interception and finished two tries in style. He could easily have had a hat-trick in a dazzling display.

15. Jamie Osborne (Ireland)

One of Ireland’s standout performers. Osborne ran a superb support line to score his side’s first try and was assured in the air, winning key battles at the back.