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'An absolute mess': Steve Borthwick comes underfire as 'big questions' asked
By Ian Cameron
Steve Borthwick’s role as England head coach is under intense scrutiny after a last-minute 42-37 defeat to Australia at Allianz Stadium marking England’s second consecutive failure to close out a winning position.
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Max Jorgensen scored three minutes into overtime to seal a scarcely believable victory for Joe Schmidt’s Australia. Marcus Smith had seemed to orchestrate a comeback for Steve Borthwick’s side, setting up two tries for Ollie Sleightholme. Maro Itoje then scored in the 77th minute, appearing to clinch a win for England after Andrew Kellaway’s earlier breakaway try for the Wallabies. Yet, with the game heading into its 83rd minute, Australia engineered a final chance, and Jorgensen scored, assisted by rugby league star Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i in an impressive union debut.
Last week’s loss to the All Blacks raised concerns but England’s repeated inability to finish games has intensified calls for answers as fans and pundits question Borthwick’s leadership.
England fans took to social media to voice their frustrations. Former England international Andy Goode wrote “Wow what a finish from the Wallabies fully deserve that victory Defensively England were all over the shop at times Big questions for Steve Borthwick to answer when we had one of the best defensive coaches in the world just leave.”
His remark was reflective of widespread discontent among a section of fans over England’s defensive weaknesses and baffling inability to finish out matches.
Indeed criticisms went beyond Borthwick’s strategy as Mana Rugby suggested a change in leadership saying: “If England lose to this Australia team at home Steve Borthwick and all his assistants should be sacked – defence and attack so poor Make Felix Jones the head coach.”
Some fans pointed to the loss of key backroom staff as a factor with one fan quipping “Say what you like about Steve Borthwick but apart from losing winnable games having his team play rugby at 75 per cent speed and having his best coaches leave his team he is doing a great job.”
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Longtime England followers noted the irony of England’s current struggles after Eddie Jones who led the team to a World Cup final and Six Nations wins was sacked. Richie Allen observed “England were more than happy to slate Eddie Jones as they sacked him… Careful what you wish for – cause Borthwick’s England are an absolute mess.”
Another angry fan wrote: “We had one of the world’s best defence coaches and after a handful of games he left because he couldn’t work under Borthwick. How many games does he need to demonstrate that he hasn’t a clue what he’s doing.”
A similarly irate supporter blasted Borthwick, saying: “Pathetic from England. Losing to this Australia side is unforgivable. Steve Borthwick needs to be sacked.”
What did we just witness? 😳😳😳 #ENGvAUS | #AutumnNationsSeries pic.twitter.com/r2hknne976
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) November 9, 2024
With Borthwick two defeats into England’s Autumn Nations Series, the pressure on Borthwick to deliver is getting close to boiling point.
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After the game Borthwick told TNT: “There will be no shortage of motivation to get back out there against South Africa”.
‘There will be no shortage of motivation to get back out there against South Africa’
Steve Borthwick backs his players to bounce back after Australia defeat#ENGvAUS | #AutumnNationsSeries pic.twitter.com/n8eO0vYC7p
— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) November 9, 2024
He isn’t wrong, not least for himself, as his job may now depend on it.
Pretty harsh feedback about the coaching. They got close to beating New Zealand 3 times this year and lost to an inconsistent but dangerous Australia. They knocked off Ireland and should've beaten France in the 6N.
They achieved most of what you've said with Felix Jones. They no longer have Felix Jones.
You can lose every game by just one point and still be number nine in the world. The game is about winning not losing. A team can't win medals on the back of gallant losses. "Taking positives" out of so many losses is just like your aunt saying never mind have a nice cup of tea.
The Wallabies were good against the All Blacks in Sydney but were found wanting in Wellington a week later.
They look to be gelling well and have made massive improvements since then and it definitely showed in their gutsy win over England.
Last weekend England were softened up and exposed where their defence out wide was lacking by the All Blacks and Joe Schmidt had a week to sort that out.
In my opinion, if the Wallabies had played England first with the same intensity, the All Blacks would have had a field day.
For all the English hand-wringing, this was a cohesive Wallaby effort with a lot starting to "click" for them. New chap is already a handful, has a big future and may inspire other leagies to convert! With the Argies comprehensively beating Italy, SH rugby is making a statement.
Australia did some good stuff in parts but I wouldn't call it a cohesive display. England were bloody awful, they made Australia look good with the most poorly organised defensive performance I can remember.
Suaalii was excellent but not really a convert, he played for the Wallaby U18s and he's only 21 now so he's played a lot more union than league, just not professionally.
Andy Goode made a very negative comment on this platform recently about Aus chances v the Lions next year. Never write off the Wallabies. This will probably inspire a few more Aussie League players crossing codes. They back. For sure.
Let’s not overlook the fantastic play by the wallabies.
All Blackesque, stunning handling skills with athletes that either bashed through the English - who look softer than ever - or ran past them like they were standing still.
I said it at the beginning of this year - the Wallabies will be back and would overtake the English in world rankings. Who knew it would be this soon?