Sir Clive Woodward: ‘Eddie Jones has lost the plot in so many ways’
Japan head coach Eddie Jones and an insert of Sir Clive Woodward.
Former England head coach Sir Clive Woodward has taken aim at Eddie Jones yet again after Steve Borthwick’s side swept Japan aside in their final match of 2024.
Woodward was highly critical of the fact that England scheduled their final game of the year against Japan, stating that Borthwick and his coaching team learned “absolutely nothing” from their comprehensive 59-14 victory at Twickenham Stadium.
Eddie Jones has lost the plot
However, he also took another swipe at Jones – who he repeatedly criticised during his time as England’s head coach – after the Japan boss was seen smiling after the final whistle.
“This was not a Test match, it was a foregone conclusion,” Woodward wrote in his Daily Mail column.
“Eddie Jones was smiling at the final whistle, which was bizarre. He has lost the plot in so many ways and it is not helping the image of international rugby.”
While the former British and Irish Lions coach hit out at how poor Japan were on the night, he stated that he does hope that the Brave Blossoms return to the form that saw them reach the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals of their home tournament in 2019.
“Japan have had problems since then and through the Covid-19 pandemic, due to a lack of meaningful action. It showed,” he wrote.
Adding: “I really hope Japan can get back on track, because the global game needs countries like them to be strong and competitive. Unfortunately, they weren’t at Twickenham.
“The match didn’t do much for England and I don’t think it did much for Japan, either.”
Woodward also believes that the RFU should have never scheduled their final match against Japan but rather Argentina who would have put up much better fight in his opinion.
“The RFU should have ensured England’s fourth autumn international was against Argentina. Yes, there would have been the risk of another defeat, but who cares? International rugby should be full-on, competitive games, not one-sided action. It would have been far more competitive against the Pumas,” he wrote.
“That said, even Japan managed to expose England’s defensive system, which is still all over the place. Steve Borthwick has to get that right for the Six Nations.
“Defence is about attitude and basic organisation and England are not scaring anyone at the moment, which is a real worry.”
Changes could change England’s fortunes
He added that while Henry Slade is the player who is leading the charge with the blitz defence, none of the players alongside him are doing the same, which means that England are “easily exposed” by opposition attacks.
Woodward believes that a rotation in the backline could go a long way in solving the issue stating once again that Tommy Freeman should be moved from the wing and into the centres to partner Ollie Lawrence.
“As I’ve consistently maintained, I’d pick Freeman at outside centre, with Ollie Sleightholme, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Furbank as the back three, which is where England need pace,” he added.
“Hopefully, England will go down that route for the Six Nations and show far more adventure in the back division.”
