Former England head coach Sir Clive Woodward believes Steve Borthwick is taking a massive gamble with his team selection against Japan, questioning the decision to recall flanker Tom Curry so soon after his latest head injury.
Writing in his Mail Online column, Woodward didn’t hold back as he expressed concerns over player welfare and what he views as a missed opportunity to rotate the squad.
“England have missed an opportunity to lead on player welfare”
Woodward took aim at the decision to include Curry in the starting lineup, highlighting the flanker’s troubling history with concussions.
“England have missed an opportunity to lead on player welfare by recalling Tom Curry. The flanker was knocked unconscious and taken off in the defeat by Australia. It was a hugely worrying collision between Curry and Rob Valetini of the Wallabies.
“Curry is no stranger to head injuries, and I just wonder about the need for him to be playing against Japan on Sunday. Curry suffered his fifth concussion in two years on club duty in September. It seems quite clear Curry’s susceptibility to head injuries is a major concern.”
“England will win, with or without Curry”
Borthwick’s decision to stick with Curry appears to be driven by the need for a win, given England’s run of five games without a victory. But Woodward believes this is a risk the head coach doesn’t need to take.
“Clearly, Borthwick knows he has to win against Japan after three straight autumn defeats and a winless run of five games in total. That is why he has picked what he thinks is his strongest side, and Borthwick clearly thinks Curry is in that. Fair enough.
“But this is Japan. England will win, with or without Curry. So, is it really worth it? I’m not sure it is.”
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“A missed opportunity to see the next generation”
While questioning the recall of Curry, Woodward also criticised the lack of experimentation in the squad, arguing that Japan would have been an ideal test for new faces.
“When I saw the England team for Japan, I was a bit underwhelmed. I’d have liked to have seen a few more new faces given a chance. Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t advocating wholesale changes. I’m excited to see Asher Opoku-Fordjour on the bench.
“But why not give him a start – and any other new faces – in this game, given the calibre of the opposition? Japan aren’t the threat they once were, so it’s a perfect opportunity to see what the next generation have got. That hasn’t happened.”
Match Details: England vs Japan
- Date: Sunday, November 24, 2024
- Kick-off: 4:10pm GMT (1:10am Monday in Japan)
- Venue: Allianz Stadium Twickenham, South-West London
This is the final game of England’s Autumn Nations Series, following close defeats to New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa. Will Opoku-Fordjour’s debut mark a turning point for Borthwick’s men?
England team to play Japan:
15. George Furbank (Northampton Saints, 13 caps)
14. Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, 14 caps)
13. Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby, 30 caps)
12. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 68 caps)
11. Ollie Sleightholme (Northampton Saints, 4 caps)
10. Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 38 caps)
9. Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers, 15 caps)
1. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 65 caps) – vice-captain
2. Jamie George (Saracens, 96 caps) – captain
3. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 44 caps)
4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 87 caps) – vice-captain
5. George Martin (Leicester Tigers, 18 caps)
6. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 55 caps)
7. Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 39 caps)
8. Ben Earl (Saracens, 36 caps) – vice-captain
Replacements:
16. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks, 43 caps)
17. Fin Baxter (Harlequins, 5 caps)
18. Asher Opoku-Fordjour (Sale Sharks, uncapped)
19. Nick Isiekwe (Saracens, 14 caps)
20. Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins, 10 caps)
21. Harry Randall (Bristol Bears, 10 caps)
22. Fin Smith (Northampton Saints, 5 caps)
23. Tom Roebuck (Sale Sharks, 2 caps)
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How the British & Irish Lions XV would look right now, zero Welshmen included
As the Autumn Nations Series unfolds, we assess how the British & Irish Lions would line up based on current form, with key players from England, Ireland, and Scotland leading the charge as they prepare for the upcoming challenge in Australia.
Fullback
Hugo Keenan (Ireland)
Keenan’s consistency under the high ball and his sharp counter-attacking ability make him the perfect fit for the British & Irish Lions’ fullback spot. After his excellent performances this autumn, it’s hard to look beyond the Irishman for a starting role in the upcoming Lions tour to Australia.
Right Wing
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England)
Despite being relatively new on the scene, Feyi-Waboso has made waves this autumn with his pace and attacking flair. His try-scoring instincts make him an exciting prospect for the Lions as they look for a cutting edge on the wing.
Centre
Garry Ringrose (Ireland)
Ringrose is in excellent form this autumn, showing off his vision, defensive solidity, and dynamic attacking capabilities. He’s a perfect fit for the Lions’ centre spot, offering leadership and experience in the midfield.
Inside Centre
Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland)
Tuipulotu’s robust ball-carrying and defensive prowess make him the ideal partner for Ringrose in the centres. His ability to break the gainline and make those powerful runs could be the key to unlocking opposition defences on tour.
Left Wing
Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland)
Van der Merwe has shown his usual strength and finishing ability during the autumn internationals. His power and ability to shrug off tackles could prove crucial for the Lions as they look to dominate in Australia.
Fly-Half
Marcus Smith (England)
Smith has been a standout for England, showcasing his playmaking flair and ability to control the game from fly-half. He brings the attacking vision the Lions need in Australia, with an added sense of unpredictability.
Scrum-Half
Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland)
The Irish scrum-half has been in electric form, displaying speed, accuracy, and intelligence. His quick service and sharp decision-making make him the ideal candidate to guide the Lions’ attack in the Southern Hemisphere.
Loosehead Prop
Andrew Porter (Ireland)
Porter has been a dominant force in the scrum, and his all-around work ethic makes him one of the best looseheads in the northern hemisphere. Expect him to anchor the Lions’ front row with power and precision.
Hooker
Jamie George (England)
George continues to impress with his lineout accuracy and leadership. His work at the breakdown and his ability to control the pace of the game make him an indispensable figure in the Lions’ pack. Plus, his experience on previous tours to New Zealand and South Africa will be invaluable.
Tighthead Prop
Tadhg Furlong (Ireland)
One of the best in the world, Furlong’s scrummaging and carrying ability make him the cornerstone of the Lions’ forward pack. His technical skill is unrivalled, and his form this autumn has only reaffirmed his place as a starter.
Lock
Maro Itoje (England)
Itoje’s dynamic work at the lineout and his physicality in open play make him a must-pick for the Lions. His presence in the engine room would give the Lions a physical and mental edge in Australia.
Lock
Joe McCarthy (Ireland)
McCarthy has shown tremendous potential this autumn, displaying both physicality and technical accuracy. His combination of strength and mobility gives the Lions a second-row option who can excel at the set-piece and in open play.
Blindside Flanker
Chandler Cunningham-South (England)
Cunningham-South has impressed with his work rate, ball carrying, and defensive capabilities. His versatile skill set makes him a standout player in the back row and an ideal choice for the Lions’ blindside.
Openside Flanker
Josh van der Flier (Ireland)
Van der Flier has been everywhere this autumn, showing his tireless work rate and tackling ability. A strong performer at the breakdown, he would be vital for the Lions to slow down Australia’s ball and disrupt their attack.
Number Eight
Caelan Doris (Ireland)
Doris has been in exceptional form, blending power with finesse in attack and defence. His ability to carry the ball and link play would make him an ideal choice as the Lions’ number eight on tour.
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