England’s -winning coach Sir Clive Woodward has blasted Steve Borthwick’s resolution to depart Henry Arundell out of the facet as ‘absolute insanity’, as he weighed in on whether or not under-fire captain Owen Farrell ought to begin in opposition to Fiji on Sunday. The pair have been roped into controversy in France after it was claimed they had been concerned in a scrap following a disagreement in coaching previous to the event, with Arundell set to overlook out on a beginning place once more in Borthwick’s facet.
The 20-year-old scored 5 tries within the 71-0 victory over Chile within the group stage however hasn’t been chosen since by the England coach. Former worldwide from the matchday 23 was associated to his bust-up with Farrell, 32. It has since been strongly denied.
Woodward, who was knighted shortly after guiding England to their maiden World Cup triumph in 2003, is anxious concerning the lack of tempo in England’s squad. And he believes a participant of Arundell’s expertise ought to be handed a spot within the beginning 15, as a substitute of ‘carrying the water’ for his team-mates.
“At World Cups, it’s recreation by recreation. England have received 4 from 4 and have to make it 5 from 5,” Woodward wrote within the . “On the entire, the workforce nonetheless isn’t fast sufficient for me — even when it ought to be ok to beat Fiji.
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Owen Farrell and Henry Arundell: The England pair’s ‘scrap’ has precipitated an undesirable distraction. (Picture: Getty/Specific Sport)
“I nonetheless don’t perceive why Henry Arundell can’t get a recreation. To me, it’s absolute insanity. What a waste it’s to have a participant of Arundell’s undoubted high quality carrying the water. I might have him at full again alongside a few the flyers who didn’t even make the journey.”
Farrell has confronted criticism for his performances on the World Cup after taking the place of George Ford on his return from damage, regardless of the fly-half’s spectacular 27-point haul within the group stage opener in opposition to Argentina. Woodward, nonetheless, has given his backing to England’s all-time main factors scorer to supply the products in opposition to Fiji when it really issues.
“Farrell is world class at 10 and it’s proper he begins there for England. He by no means wears No 12 for Saracens,” he added. “The massive query for Borthwick is whether or not or not he thinks Farrell is the very best No 10 within the England squad proper now. Solely he’ll know that. However Farrell’s choice for Fiji clearly tells me that in Borthwick’s eyes, he’s.
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Sir Clive Woodward: England’s World Cup-winning coach has given his backing to Farrell. (Picture: Getty)
“I’m an enormous fan of Farrell at his greatest. However I don’t suppose he has been at that degree on the World Cup to this point, predominantly as a result of his suspension meant he’s nonetheless missing minutes. Taking part in him at 12 has additionally not helped him one jot. Farrell seemed rusty in opposition to Chile and Samoa however there isn’t any doubt he’s an enormous recreation participant and I anticipate him to be a lot improved in opposition to Fiji.
“I’m certain he received’t like this, however I truly really feel sorry for Farrell. As a result of he’s bodily imposing for a fly-half, he will get moved too simply away from No 10. He has taken a number of destructive suggestions from followers which he doesn’t deserve.”
England have received all 4 matches on the World Cup to this point after edging previous Samoa 18-17 of their last group match. They face Fiji in a bid to make the semi-finals on Sunday with a 4pm kick-off on the Stade Velodrome in Marseille.
