Despite a recent mauling by Sale Sharks, which saw Bristol Bears fail to score for the first time since 2016 in a 38-0 drubbing, the West Country side has been the Premiership’s eye-candy this season.
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Currently sitting second in the league, their attacking flair has been nothing short of mesmerising. Sir Clive Woodward believes England could learn a thing or two from Pat Lam’s rugby revolution.
Could the former All Black be a potential next England boss?
Woodward’s Master Plan
In his latest Daily Mail column, Woodward heaped praise on Lam, suggesting the Bears’ style of play could be the remedy to England’s attacking woes.
“Can you imagine an England XV playing in the style coached by the brilliant Pat Lam? It would fix most of the problems in English rugby at a stroke of a pen!” Woodward declared.
He’s even eyeing Bristol’s centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg for a future England call-up once he becomes eligible in 2026, envisioning him as a key piece alongside Tommy Freeman in midfield, with Alex Mitchell and Marcus Smith steering the ship at half-back.
The Autumn Blues
England’s Autumn Nations Series performance was a bitter pill to swallow. Losses to Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa laid bare the team’s attacking struggles. While there were flashes of a more expansive approach, the overall execution left fans wanting.
“On the field, England ended 2024 with three autumn defeats from four and playing a style which hardly got fans out of their seats. There will have to be significant improvement in 2025 and that must start with the Six Nations,” Woodward lamented.
Rugby from the Gods
Woodward’s admiration for Bristol’s play is palpable.
“Bristol are playing rugby from the gods this season under Lam. Their centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg becomes eligible for England in 2026 and looking ahead, I’d like to see him in a white No 12 shirt with Tommy Freeman in midfield outside him and Alex Mitchell and Marcus Smith as the half backs,” he enthused.
“England’s attack was poor in the autumn. For England to find their next level, something has to happen and fast.”
Six Nations Showdown Awaits
The clock is ticking for England’s attack to find its rhythm. With the Six Nations looming, all eyes will be on Steve Borthwick and his ability to deliver a spark. Will we see shades of Bristol Bears in England’s approach? Woodward certainly hopes so.
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