Here’s a bold statement: England’s rugby team is on the cusp of greatness, but there’s one massive hurdle they need to clear. And this is the part most people miss—it’s not just about winning; it’s about winning away from home against the best in the world. Rugby legend Sir Clive Woodward believes that England’s upcoming clash with the Springboks in South Africa could be the game-changer that propels them from ‘very good’ to ‘great.’ But here’s where it gets controversial—can they truly claim greatness without conquering the back-to-back world champions on their own turf? Let’s dive in.
England’s 2025 season was nothing short of impressive. Under Steve Borthwick’s leadership, they secured a second-place finish in the Six Nations, swept Argentina in a 2-0 series, and remained unbeaten in the November Tests. The highlight? A stunning 33-19 victory over the All Blacks, cementing their spot as the third-best team in the World Rugby rankings. Yet, despite these achievements, questions linger. Are they truly the second-best side in the world, as some suggest? Or is there still ground to cover?
But here’s where it gets controversial—England’s rise has been remarkable, but they haven’t faced the Springboks, the reigning world champions, in 2025. That changes in July when the two teams collide in the first round of the Nations Championship in South Africa. This isn’t just another game; it’s a litmus test for England’s aspirations. As Woodward puts it, ‘Good teams win regularly at home. Great teams can win anywhere in the world.’ The Springboks fixture is England’s chance to prove they belong in the latter category.
Woodward, a Rugby World Cup winner himself, argues that England’s evolution hinges on their ability to conquer top teams away from Twickenham. With the next World Cup in Australia just 18 months away, this mid-year international is more than a match—it’s a statement. ‘England can’t be considered potential World Cup winners until they have beaten big teams in their own backyard,’ he writes in his Daily Mail column. Bold words, but they underscore a critical point: greatness isn’t handed out; it’s earned.
Now, let’s talk about the squad. Borthwick has assembled a talented group, but selection dilemmas remain. The center pairing, in particular, is a head-scratcher. Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Seb Atkinson, and Ollie Lawrence are all in the mix, but who starts? Woodward advocates for Freeman at outside center, citing his recent performances for the Saints. Yet, this is where opinions diverge. Is Freeman the best fit, or should England explore other options? What do you think?
Another contentious point? The Marcus Smith experiment. Woodward believes it’s time to end Smith’s stint at full-back, arguing that George Furbank offers a better ball-playing presence. ‘Marcus Smith just isn’t a 15 at World Cup level,’ Woodward states bluntly. But is this fair? Smith’s struggles with Harlequins are well-documented, but does that mean he’s not cut out for the international stage? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments.
Sam Warburton adds another layer to the conversation, asserting that a strong England benefits world rugby as a whole. But does England’s success truly elevate the sport globally, or is this an overstatement? What’s your take?
As England prepares for their showdown with the Springboks, one thing is clear: this isn’t just a game—it’s a defining moment. Will they rise to the occasion and take that final step into greatness? Or will they fall short, leaving questions unanswered? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure: this is a conversation that’s far from over. What’s your prediction for the England-Springboks clash? Share your thoughts below!
