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Launchbury learning from line-out king Borthwick
By Harry West
Wasps lock Joe Launchbury has hailed the influence of forwards coach Steve Borthwick as England prepare to mount a defence of their Six Nations crown.
Under Eddie Jones last year, England claimed their first grand slam since 2003, with their perfect record since the Australian’s arrival subsequently extended to 13 wins from as many outings.
Six Nations glory was followed up by a 3-0 whitewash in Australia, before Jones’ men won all four Tests in November and December to cap a sensational 12 months.
While praising the impact of Jones on the team, Launchbury believes Borthwick has had the greatest effect on his individual game – especially in the line-out.
“Having someone like Steve Borthwick to work with day in, day out in camp has been fantastic,” Launchbury told Omnisport ahead of the Six Nations opener against France at Twickenham on Saturday.
“He’s obviously extremely intelligent in the way he runs the line-out and also a great line-out operator when he played.
“For me, as someone who’s constantly looking for improvement in that area, he’s been great to have around.
“Since Eddie’s taken over it’s been different, it’s been a few changes but it’s been really positive and obviously it’s brought the best out of a lot of players.
“We’ve got a young squad who are keen and hungry to get better and hopefully that’s what 2017 will bring. We’re looking for a lot of improvement and hopefully we’ll get that.
“[Eddie’s] been good, he’s obviously very honest. He’s been brilliant and the coaches he brought alongside him have been great for me.”
Joe Launchbury is a Land Rover ambassador. Land Rover has a heritage in supporting rugby at all levels, from grassroots to the elite. Through its ‘We Deal In Real’ campaign, Land Rover continues to shine a light on the people, players and clubs at the heart and soul of the game.
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