Sir Clive Woodward has outlined a plan for England to pull off a World Cup upset against the Springboks on Saturday and dump the defending champs out of the tournament.
Writing for the UK’s Daily Mail, Woodward backs the decision by England to start Freddie Steward at fullback for this weekend’s semi-final in Paris, and recommends bringing on Ellis Genge and Kyle Sinckler at half time to match South Africa’s Bomb Squad.
The former England coach encourages the Roses to continue using the drop goal, as seen in their previous matches against Argentina and Fiji, to keep the pressure on and force defensive errors. Woodward encourages England to use drop goals.
He believes England should embrace the opportunity and avoid an “us against the world” mentality, and prove themselves to the world by staying composed, even if the match is tight.
Woodward argues that England is fitter than the Boks and should counter SA’s slow-down tactics by maintaining a fast tempo with quick lineouts and scrums, varied kicking, and tap-and-go plays.
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“South Africa are hot favourites for their World Cup semi-final with England but that’s a tricky position to be in,” he writes. “Steve Borthwick’s side have a chance of a huge upset.
“It’s David v Goliath but we’ve already seen lots of shocks in France. England can spring another.
“World Cups are about taking on the best and rising to that challenge.
“England can do that and pull off a seismic shock if they build the score, play fast down the short side, and enjoy every minute. England by three!”
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