Former England head coach Clive Woodward says "something is not right" in the Red Rose camp

Sport360 staff 01:09 11/06/2018
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  • Former England head coach Clive Woodward has branded the Red Rose’s 2018 a horror show.

    Woodward, whose team were crowned world champions in 2003, said Eddie Jones‘ side have not progressed at the same rate as their rivals.

    England conceded five tries in a 42-39 defeat by South Africa on Saturday – a fourth consecutive Test defeat.

    It had all started so well for England as they opened up a 24-3 lead inside 18 minutes, but the Springboks rallied to score four tries to lead 29-27 at the interval.

    Woodward said the first 20 minutes of Saturday’s match “was some of the best rugby I have ever seen England play”.

    But Jones’ side faded badly – and Springboks scrum-half Faf de Klerk said the hosts always intended to prey on England’s vulnerabilities at altitude.

    “Something is not right because they are normally very good defensively,” said Woodward on BBC Radio 5 live.

    “The bubble has burst and teams have recognised that the way to beat England is by playing an all-out fast game.”

    Defeat in Johannesburg follows a disappointing Six Nations campaign during which England lost three of their five matches and conceded their title to Ireland.

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