Steve Borthwick has asserted that he is fully capable of handling the pressure surrounding his position as England’s head coach, despite the mounting scrutiny following the team’s recent struggles. Rassie Erasmus, coach of South Africa, recently suggested that Borthwick may be feeling the heat, even comparing the pressure to having a “gun against his head.” After England’s narrow defeat to Australia, which extended their losing streak to four matches, criticism from former England players, such as Clive Woodward and Will Carling, has intensified.
Despite the outside pressure, Borthwick remains focused on his role, insisting that he is unwavering in his commitment to coaching the team. “I am coaching a team in the very best manner we possibly can,” he said. “When you are coaching England, there are always things on the outside. It is one of my strengths that I just focus and compartmentalise pretty well.” He emphasized his loyalty to the players and his drive to improve the team’s performance, acknowledging the frustration of not securing victories but reiterating that the challenge of facing South Africa is one the team is determined to meet head-on.
England’s lineup for the upcoming match against South Africa features four changes, including the return of Freddie Steward at full-back. Steward’s exceptional aerial skills are expected to be crucial against South Africa’s renowned kicking game. Borthwick explained that the South Africans kick more contestable kicks than any other team, making players like Steward, who excel in this area, vital for England’s strategy. George Furbank, who had started previously, drops out of the matchday 23 as a result.
In addition to Steward’s return, scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet replaces Ben Spencer, and there are changes to the forwards as well. Sam Underhill comes in for the injured Tom Curry at openside flanker, while Ollie Sleightholme is named on the left wing in place of Immanuel Feyi-Waboso. Curry’s absence is notable, given his head injury and his pivotal role in the fallout from last year’s World Cup semi-final, which was marred by allegations of racial slurs from South Africa’s Bongi Mbonambi.
Borthwick spoke about the necessity of preparing for a physically intense contest, especially with the South African style of play, which centers around powerful scrummaging, mauling, and a robust defensive structure. “Playing against South Africa, you have to scrum well, you have to deal with that maul really well and you have to defend in a physical manner,” he said. Borthwick also acknowledged the impact of World Rugby’s directive to limit “escorting,” which has led to an increased emphasis on kicking and scrums, further shaping England’s tactical adjustments.
Borthwick’s focus remains on his team’s preparation and the need to perform better. Despite the external pressure, he believes in his team’s capabilities, stressing that the squad is determined to improve and deliver a strong performance against the reigning world champions. The upcoming match against South Africa, a team Borthwick describes as “head and shoulders above everybody” in terms of their contestable kicking, presents a significant challenge, but one that he and his players are prepared for.
