"Smith would be on the bench," - Sir Clive Woodward reveals the England backline he'd start World Cup with

Saturday, 29 October 2022 at 11:14

byRugby Rucker

One of the biggest talking points to come out of England’s summer tour was whether the Marcus Smith at 10, Owen Farrell at 12 axis should be persisted with.

On the evidence of of the 2-1 series win, many still believe the answer to that question is a firm no.

Former England and British & Irish Lions coach Sir Clive Woodward doesn’t see it working.

Using his latest interview with the Mail Online to update his Gun England XV, Smith would see himself relegated to the bench.

Sir Clive Woodward Facts:

Woodward was born in Ely, Cambridgeshire, the son of an RAF pilot
At Conway, he played rugby union at centre alongside fly-half Iain Duncan Smith, who would later become leader of the Conservative Party.
He was coach of the England team from 1997 to 2004, managing them to victory in the 2003 Rugby World Cup
Woodward also coached the 2005 British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand, losing the test series 3-0
Woodward continued his move into the Football League in 2005 by becoming Performance Director at Southampton Football Club

Woodward England XV:

BACK-THREE

15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers)
14. Henry Arundell (London Irish)
11. Joe Cokanasiga (Bath RFC)

Freddie Steward of England goes over for a try during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Australia at Twickenham on 13 November 2021. Photo: Micah Crook/PPAUK

CENTRES

13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs)
12. Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks)

Woodward said: "I would have no problem seeing Smith and Farrell at 10 and 12, with Slade at 13. They’re good players but I wouldn’t be losing sleep over that.

"What I would lose sleep about — if they are all fit and playing at their best — is a team with Owen at 10, Manu at 12 and Slade at 13."

Manu Tuilagi of England during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Tonga at Twickenham Stoop on 6 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

HALFBACKS

10. Owen Farrell (Saracens)
9. Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers)

Woodward said: "I’m a massive fan of Marcus but it’s either/or and he’d be on the bench. That’s a tough call but your job as head coach is to make tough calls. Farrell gets the nod because of his goal-kicking and leadership."

Adam Radwan (Newcastle Falcons, 1 cap) and Owen Farrell (Saracens, 93 caps) during England Rugby training session at The Lensbury Hotel, Teddington, London on 28 Sept 2021. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

FRONT-ROW

1. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears)
2. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs)
3. Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears)

Ellis Genge of England (digitally altered) during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Tonga at Twickenham Stoop on 6 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

SECOND-ROW

4. Maro Itoje (Saracens)
5. Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints)

Final whistle celebrations for Maro Itoje of England Rugby after the Six Nations Championship match between England and Wales at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on February 26th 2021. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK