Woodward hits back at critics
May 22, 2002

England manager Clive Woodward has slammed those critics of this summer's tour to Argentina.

"I find it difficult to understand why people say we shouldn't be doing this tour," he said. "Some people seem to have forgotten what it is like to play for their country, "he said at the press conference to announce his side to face the Barbarians at Twickenham on Sunday

"I am taking 30 players for two matches and have no intention of choosing anyone who is less than 100% fit. I don't agree with the idea of a training camp. I prefer the idea of a training camp combined with a couple of matches."

With the number of absentees growing from his squad growing the England supremo seemed to suggest some players were looking for excuses for a summer off.

"When I was in possession of an England shirt, I would never have done anything to put it at risk," he said. "I was never so confident in my position but that is their choice not mine."

Woodward refused to say that anyone had pulled out without good reason but it seems he maybe a little annoyed.

Woodward also aired his concern over the way clubs were not adhering to the agreed 32-game limit for the country's elite players.

Woodward slammed the clubs for not counting games where players began on the bench. "It is not just the game, it is the preparation," said Woodward.

"Going on for 40 minutes is no different to playing an entire match. We have to eradicate the potential abuses that are creeping in."

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