WOOD YOU BELIEVE IT
England’s flop Six Nations loss to Scotland was ‘worst ever’ performance, blasts World Cup hero coach Sir Clive Woodward
ENGLAND'S Six Nations performance against Scotland was their 'worst ever', according to former coach Sir Clive Woodward.
Eddie Jones' side began their title defence with a drab 11-6 loss to Scotland at Twickenham on Saturday.
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And Woodward, who observed the game from pitchside, was not impressed at all with England's effort.
In his column, he blasted: "One way or another I’ve watched every England game since the mid-1970s. I supported England, I was honoured to play for and then coach England, and in the media have covered England around the world.
"And that was the worst I have ever seen England play by some margin given what was at stake.
"I lost some big games as a player and coach. Games when you underperformed or the opposition had your number. The worst loss and moment of my career was undoubtedly losing to Scotland at Murrayfield in 2000. I’ve been there, it really hurts.
"But forget the 11-6 scoreline on Saturday, down on the freezing touchline at Twickenham it felt like a 30-point defeat."
He continued to rip into the Red Rose, adding: "There was no reason for England not to be at their best. Scotland were magnificent but England, other than a resolute defence which at least earned a losing bonus point, were indescribably bad.
"They were off the pace, had no attacking ideas, kicked away what little quality possession they did earn and were ill-disciplined, coughing up nine penalties in the first 23 minutes.
"The latter can partly be attributed to the huge pressure Scotland built, but good sides and one as experienced as England find ways to absorb it. It is exactly then that you must not lose it mentally and give away penalties."
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Woodward, 65, believes that the problems are nothing new.
He continued: "I’m afraid this can all be traced back to England’s non-performance in the World Cup final, which many at HQ have tried to brush away.
"There was no professional inquest and debrief into a day when England looked all at sea from the moment they arrived 40 minutes late.
"As with yesterday, Eddie Jones immediately put his hands up and said he got the preparation wrong, but there is no need to say that. It is a given in professional sport."
England will dust themselves down this weekend, when they face whipping boys Italy at Twickenham, before travelling to Cardiff to face Wales before the end of the month.
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