Borthwick secure in England job despite Australia loss

November 10

England head coach Steve Borthwick still has the backing of the Rugby Football Union amid the misery of their November Test losses to New Zealand and Australia.

The Wallabies’ 42-37 victory at Twickenham on Saturday consigned England to a fourth successive defeat and their fifth in six games, albeit three of them were to the All Blacks.

They have lost half of their 26 matches under Borthwick, whose 50 per cent win ratio since replacing Eddie Jones at the end of 2022 means only Andy Robinson has a lower success rate in the professional era.

But it’s understood the 45-year-old has the full support of the RFU, which sees the current campaign as very different to the 2022 autumn that resulted in Jones being sacked.

Jones’ seven years in charge were brought to an end after his side had lost to Argentina, drawn with New Zealand and been routed by South Africa.

A disappointing series continued a trend of ongoing decline under the Australian, whose record in 2022 was England’s worst since 2008, comprising six defeats, a draw and five wins.

He also presided over three Six Nations that produced three losses, resulting in two fifth-placed finishes.

The RFU believes England are on a different trajectory under Borthwick, with the setbacks against New Zealand and Australia both narrow defeats that could have gone either way.

South Africa, France, New Zealand on three occasions and now Australia have all edged tight encounters that went down to the final whistle.

The Springboks are the next visitors to Twickenham, with their arrival on Saturday followed by Japan seven days later, leaving Maro Itoje to insist England are determined to make amends after their dramatic loss to Australia.

“That wasn’t acceptable and we will have an honest look at that,” the Saracens second row said.

“There’s no doubt we didn’t want to be in this position. When we came into this autumn, we weren’t expecting to lose our first two games. In times like this, it’s tough.

“We’re very disappointed, but it’s still a tremendous opportunity against South Africa. We have the world champions coming to Twickenham. We have an amazing opportunity to do something.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that if we do our thing, are more consistent and play smarter rugby, then South Africa is a game we can win.

“We have our backs against the wall a little bit and so it’s a tremendous opportunity for us to take control of our narrative and get the rewards for our efforts.”

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