Sir Clive Woodward expresses deep apprehension regarding the Rugby Football Union’s (RFU) current review of England’s campaign, highlighting their continued reliance on clandestine methods. He contends that this covert approach is subjecting head coach Steve Borthwick to an inferno, a situation he believes can only culminate in a singular, unfortunate outcome.
Concerns Over RFU’s Secrecy
As the RFU embarks on its review of the recent campaign, they are once again resorting to operating in the shadows, a tactic that has drawn sharp criticism. This lack of transparency, according to Woodward, is creating an unhealthy and potentially damaging environment for the team and its leadership.
Steve Borthwick Under Immense Pressure
The covert nature of the review process is not only a concern in itself but also directly impacts the pressure cooker environment surrounding Steve Borthwick. Woodward suggests that Borthwick is being subjected to an incredibly difficult and unfair trial by fire, with the RFU’s actions exacerbating an already challenging situation.
An Inevitable and Unpleasant Conclusion
Given the circumstances, Woodward predicts a grim and likely unavoidable conclusion to this ordeal. The “cloak-and-dagger” operations of the RFU, combined with the intense scrutiny on Borthwick, are paving the way for an outcome that will likely leave many England fans deeply worried.
