England had been overwhelmed 29-23 by Scotland of their Six Nations opener earlier than defeating Italy 31-14 on Sunday; Steve Borthwick needs to eradicate points forward of matches towards Wales, Ireland and France forward of the World Cup later this yr
Last Updated: 13/02/23 11:23pm
Steve Borthwick has led England to at least one victory and one defeat from his first two matches
Steve Borthwick is to urgently examine England’s behavior of fading that has been evident in his two matches in cost, understanding it may depart his gamers with regrets.
England threw away a 20-12 lead with half an hour remaining of their Guinness Six Nations opener towards Scotland and had been additionally one level in entrance heading into the ultimate 10 minutes, earlier than finally falling 29-23.
Borthwick’s facet additionally misplaced the second half 14-12 towards Italy, with stress hanging within the Twickenham air till Henry Arundell produced a slick end within the 71st minute to quell the Azzurri rebellion.
England head coach Steve Borthwick speaks after his facet beat Italy at Twickenham within the Six Nations
England head coach Steve Borthwick speaks after his facet beat Italy at Twickenham within the Six Nations
England face a fraught journey to Cardiff subsequent adopted by clashes with the world’s two finest groups in France and Ireland, with Borthwick making a precedence of figuring out why they’re susceptible within the second half.
“At eight factors up I’d count on to win that recreation towards Scotland, mentioned Borthwick, who changed the sacked Eddie Jones in December. “There was one other level we had been 4 factors up and we let it slip.
“As we transfer ahead with this group, as we coach and perceive, we will probably be debriefing these issues actually absolutely so we do not let these alternatives slide. You cannot rewind the clock. I talked about my regrets as a participant and I do not need these gamers to have regrets.
Sky Sports News’ James Cole analyses Steve Borthwick’s choice choices for his first Six Nations squad as England head coach, and a shock transfer for his predecessor Eddie Jones
Sky Sports News’ James Cole analyses Steve Borthwick’s choice choices for his first Six Nations squad as England head coach, and a shock transfer for his predecessor Eddie Jones
“We let one slip towards Scotland and we made positive we absolutely debriefed it to study from it. Against Italy, there was a interval late within the recreation the place we let momentum get away from us. I really want to know why it occurred and the way it occurred.
“We cannot maintain letting groups have momentum late in video games towards us. Clearly we let Italy out of their half, which is strictly what occurred towards Scotland. Systems take time.”
2003 World Cup winner Ben Cohen feels Steve Borthwick and England have quite a lot of work to do as they proceed their build-up to the World Cup
2003 World Cup winner Ben Cohen feels Steve Borthwick and England have quite a lot of work to do as they proceed their build-up to the World Cup
England ‘a bit behind’ Ireland and France
On the day earlier than England’s pack bullied their Italian counterparts, Ireland and France fought out a seismic title conflict in Dublin that noticed a ball-in-play time of 46 minutes.
Andy Farrell’s males got here out on prime and are destined to reach on the World Cup later this yr as the worldwide recreation’s primary ranked group, whereas France have the expertise to make sure the setback is barely non permanent.
Ireland claimed a 32-19 victory over France in Dublin on Saturday
“It was an unimaginable Test match,” Borthwick mentioned, having watched the match. “The normal of these groups is phenomenal. If you should utilize this four-year cycle very well, you ought to be in a great state of affairs proper now and they’re. If you have a look at them they’re sturdy. We are a bit behind them.
“I am unable to let you know how a lot, however we’re behind them. I am unable to do something about the place they’re however we’re going to work actually exhausting to catch up as quick as we will.”
Borthwick inherited a group that endured a dismal 2022, leading to Jones being eliminated as head coach, and he insists there isn’t a fast-track to success.
Will Greenwood says extra time and work is required for Steve Borthwick to enhance the general high quality of his facet
Will Greenwood says extra time and work is required for Steve Borthwick to enhance the general high quality of his facet
“We are going to do the perfect we will to be nearly as good as we could be. This is a technique of a rebuild,” he mentioned. “I get the sense that folks recognise it is a rebuild, I get a way they recognise there may be lots to do right here and we have to construct some strengths right here.
“The gamers have come by means of a troublesome time and I’m asking them to do issues otherwise and exit on the sphere and produce their strengths. I felt that towards Italy they began to embrace that. Last week there was a reticence to actually leap proper in. That is what I would like them to do.”
What’s Next?
England head to Cardiff on Saturday February 25 to face a struggling Wales who’re but to get a win on this yr’s championship (4.45pm). For Italy, a house conflict awaits towards Grand Slam hopefuls Ireland (2.15pm).
