Sir Clive Woodward has called out England’s decision-making in ‘tiny but crucial moments’ following Saturday’s crushing defeat against Australia.
Steve Borthwick’s side slumped to their second consecutive defeat of the Autumn International Series, having led by 12 points early in the first half.
But, as had been the case last weekend against New Zealand, frailties in England’s defensive line ended up costing the Red Roses.
This time Max Jorgensen was the one putting the dagger in England’s heart, with the Australian sneaking home a try after the game ticked into its 84th minute.
While the manner of the defeat was one thing, Woodward has blasted England for shipping 42 points in a home match – something the World Cup-winning coach has blamed on mistakes in the key moments.
Writing in his Daily Mail column, Woodward said: “As a team, England are getting these tiny yet crucial moments wrong and it’s costing them.
“I was pleased to hear Borthwick as head coach front up honestly. I might be mistaken, but I think it’s the first time he has spoken in such a way in his time in charge of the team.”
Borthwick didn’t hold back during his post-match assessment, saying: “Everyone is gutted. It’s a game we should have won. Multiple times we put ourselves in the position to win the game and we didn’t.”
But Woodward believes England should be past the point of excuses and has urged the under-pressure Borthwick to serve up a strong response during the remaining Autumn Internationals.
He added: “England losing key moments, like the restart with the clock virtually in the red on Saturday, is happening far too often and that’s why they’re losing matches.
“Borthwick is now going to come under a lot of pressure. That is the lot of an international head coach. You are defined by your results and England are losing too often right now.
“So, it is inevitable that there will be heat on Borthwick. There must be a response.”
Things are unlikely to get any easier for Borthwick and Co. considering world champions South Africa are next on the agenda.
The Springboks travel to Twickenham next weekend for the pair’s first meeting since last year’s dramatic World Cup semi-final.
Following that, England and Borthwick wrap up their Autumn Nations schedule with a clash against world No.14 Japan.
