Sir Clive Woodward says Steve Borthwick must start uncapped star against the Springboks
Rugby NewsWednesday, 29 April 2026 at 13:17
Sir Clive Woodward has urged England boss Steve Borthwick to hand Caluori a debut against the South Africa national rugby union team, insisting:
“Now is the time to give Caluori a first cap.”
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In his column for the Mail Online, he praised how the winger has been developed by Mark McCall at Saracens and within England’s system, adding: “He has been handled well… but now is the time.”
He believes selection should come down to ability and opportunity, saying: “Caluori clearly has the skills… and only by playing him can you find out what he can do at the highest level.”
While some may see a debut in South Africa as risky, Woodward dismissed that view: “You have to be pragmatic… not take in too much emotion.”
England’s wing options remain competitive. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso is expected to start after rediscovering form, while Tommy Freeman could move to centre, leaving a right-wing spot open. Caluori is competing with Tom Roebuck and Henry Arundell.
Woodward insists the youngster deserves the nod after a standout season: “He has the ability to bring real excitement… much-needed after the Six Nations.” He also highlighted his strengths, calling him “incredibly fast” and “an exceptional finisher.”
Finally, Woodward rejected claims England have nothing to lose: “The Springboks are formidable… but they are beatable – even at home.”
England Summer Tour Fixtures (2026)
England’s summer tour shapes up as a serious test across three very different rugby environments:
- South Africa vs England
? Ellis Park, Johannesburg
? 4 July 2026 - Fiji vs England
? Hill Dickinson Stadium (Everton)
? 11 July 2026 - Argentina vs England
? Venue TBC
? 18 July 2026
This is a brutal run—altitude in South Africa, flair against Fiji, and physicality in Argentina.
Full Predicted England Squad
Props
- Ellis Genge
- Mako Vunipola
- Fin Baxter
- Joe Heyes
- Asher Opoku-Fordjour
- Afolabi Fasogbon
Summary:
A powerful and evolving unit. Genge sets the tone physically, Vunipola adds experience, and the younger options bring mobility and long-term promise.
A powerful and evolving unit. Genge sets the tone physically, Vunipola adds experience, and the younger options bring mobility and long-term promise.
Hookers
- Jamie George
- Kepu Tuipulotu
- Tom Dunn
Summary:
George remains the cornerstone with his leadership and set-piece accuracy. Dunn adds physical edge, while Tuipulotu is a high-upside development option.
George remains the cornerstone with his leadership and set-piece accuracy. Dunn adds physical edge, while Tuipulotu is a high-upside development option.
Second Row
- Courtney Lawes
- Ollie Chessum
- Maro Itoje
- Alex Coles
Summary:
An elite engine room. Itoje leads the charge, Lawes adds experience and presence, while Chessum and Coles provide athleticism and lineout strength.
An elite engine room. Itoje leads the charge, Lawes adds experience and presence, while Chessum and Coles provide athleticism and lineout strength.
Back Row
- Guy Pepper
- Henry Pollock
- Chandler Cunningham-South
- Ben Earl
- Tom Curry
- Greg Fisilau
Summary:
Highly competitive and dynamic. Earl and Curry are standout performers, supported by a group full of energy, versatility, and breakdown ability.
Highly competitive and dynamic. Earl and Curry are standout performers, supported by a group full of energy, versatility, and breakdown ability.
Scrum-Halves
- Alex Mitchell
- Jack van Poortvliet
- Archie McParland
Summary:
Mitchell brings tempo and control, van Poortvliet offers reliability, and McParland is an exciting young option for the future.
Mitchell brings tempo and control, van Poortvliet offers reliability, and McParland is an exciting young option for the future.
Fly-Halves
- Fin Smith
- Marcus Smith
- George Ford
Summary:
A balanced trio—Fin Smith’s composure, Marcus Smith’s attacking spark, and Ford’s tactical control give England flexibility depending on opposition.
A balanced trio—Fin Smith’s composure, Marcus Smith’s attacking spark, and Ford’s tactical control give England flexibility depending on opposition.
Centres
- Ollie Lawrence
- Max Ojomoh
- Joe Marchant
- Seb Atkinson
Summary:
A blend of power and creativity. Lawrence provides go-forward, Marchant defensive organisation, with Ojomoh and Atkinson offering attacking flair.
A blend of power and creativity. Lawrence provides go-forward, Marchant defensive organisation, with Ojomoh and Atkinson offering attacking flair.
Back Three
- Immanuel Feyi-Waboso
- Henry Arundell
- Noah Caluori
- George Furbank
- Tommy Freeman
- Tom Roebuck
- Freddie Steward
Summary:
Pace and finishing across the board. Arundell and Radwan bring speed, while Furbank adds playmaking and Steward aerial dominance.
Pace and finishing across the board. Arundell and Radwan bring speed, while Furbank adds playmaking and Steward aerial dominance.
Predicted England XV
Starting XV
- Ellis Genge
- Jamie George
- Joe Heyes
- Maro Itoje
- Ollie Chessum
- Courtney Lawes
- Tom Curry
- Ben Earl
- Alex Mitchell
- Fin Smith
- Immanuel Feyi-Waboso
- Ollie Lawrence
- Joe Marchant
- Tommy Freeman
- George Furbank
You’ll have to be red-hot to get 15/15 in this 2010s Six Nations quiz
The Six Nations Championship, Europe’s premier rugby tournament, has delivered unforgettable moments and showcased some of the game’s greatest players.
From stunning tries to epic battles, the 2010s were packed with rugby brilliance.
Can you name the players who lit up the tournament during this golden decade? You’ll need to be on top form to get 15/15—are you up for the challenge? Let’s kick off!
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