Former England boss Clive Woodward has made his prediction for the 2023 World Cup, tipping France to in the end elevate the trophy on October 28 in Paris. Fabien Galthie’s facet are at present rated second to Eire within the World Rugby rankings, however the 2003 World Cup-winning coach believes residence benefit will lead to French glory in 9 months’ time.
Writing in Sportmail through the current vacation interval, Woodward mentioned: “I’ve to go together with France, with the reason is that for me they’re the No1 crew on the earth now even when the official rankings present Eire to be in that place.
“Being at house is a large benefit. If this World Cup was happening in New Zealand or South Africa, I wouldn’t be tipping France. I work quite a bit in France lately and I do know from being there that the French public loves this crew. It is a wonderful time for French rugby. I can see them going one higher than their soccer crew and successful the World Cup.
“Being at house is like having a sixteenth man. France may have unbelievable help. Once you’re at residence, 50/50 calls are likely to go your manner. If we had been enjoying at residence as an England crew in 2003 slightly than in Australia, we’d have received the ultimate by 25 factors. Residence benefit is so essential particularly when you’ve got a facet with such high quality.”
Referencing England, who now have Steve Borthwick in cost as an alternative of Eddie Jones, Woodward is anticipating the ex-Leicester boss to show English rugby round from the low ebb it at present finds itself in following 2022 the place solely 5 of a dozen Take a look at matches have been received.
In a 12 months of turbulence for England rugby, one factor has been a relentless ? pic.twitter.com/ZRPAutLgaD
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) December 26, 2022
“We’ve got received to maneuver on from Jones now and shortly. He’s gone. It’s just like the outdated saying goes, the king is lifeless, lengthy reside the king. Jones’ staunchest allies within the RFU threw him beneath the bus to avoid wasting their very own necks. In the long run, I simply felt very sorry for Jones. He deserved higher. He ought to have been eliminated with dignity three years in the past slightly than undergo a really public hanging.
“Taking a look at it by means of the eyes of England’s opposition, they’d have been very joyful if Jones had stayed in cost. A contemporary begin with the expertise and expertise England possess might and can be a daunting prospect.
“The extra I take into consideration Steve Borthwick, the extra I believe he can shock individuals. He’ll put a powerful crew collectively. My recommendation to Borthwick could be very easy – simply go for it! Does he have the gamers? Completely. I actually hope I don’t hear these dreadful phrases ‘starters’ and ‘finishers’ once more!
“Choose gamers of their proper place. I need him to choose wings that run quick! I’m very excited for him to show English rugby round each on and off the pitch from the low ebb we at present discover ourselves in. He can completely try this.”