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Woodward: 2018 a horror show for England

Cape Town - Former England coach Clive Woodward says their 2018 season is fast running into a nightmare.

England’s 42-39 defeat to South Africa in Johannesburg this past weekend was their fifth in a row in 2018.

Under the coaching tutelage of Eddie Jones, England won 22 of 23 Tests but a fifth-placed finish in the Six Nations halted their momentum.

They suffered consecutive defeats to Scotland, France and Ireland and also lost to the Barbarians shortly before their SA trip.

At Ellis Park on Saturday, England led 24-3 but could not cash in on their fast start.

Woodward, who coached England to World Cup glory in Australia in 2003, told BBC Radio 5 live that his countrymen have had a “horror show” in 2018.

"Something is not right because they are normally very good defensively,” Woodward said after England conceded five tries.

"The bubble has burst and teams have recognised that the way to beat England is by playing an all-out fast game."

Woodward added that the first 20 minutes at Ellis Park was “some of the best rugby” he has seen England play but expressed his concern after they faded.

The second Test is scheduled for Bloemfontein this Saturday (June 16), with the series to conclude in Cape Town the following weekend (June 23).

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