by The Catch-22 Steve Borthwick faced ahead of the Six Nations has become even more appealing. England’s head coach has always been between a rock and a hard place. Now, after winning at Murrayfield, that space is even tighter. Suddenly, this feels like a defining week in his tenure.
A glance at Wales highlights Borthwick’s plight. Warren Gatland threw the chosen slate cleaner ahead of this tournament. In some ways, his hand was forced during lesser players and other circumstances. But he also embraced the sense of revolution.
Wales have lost three out of three. But the brighter aspects of their campaign – Cameron Winnett’s class at full-back, Tommy Reffell’s motivation, collective grit – have given hope for the future and tempered these results somewhat. Supporters seem sympathetic, on the whole. And patient.
Borthwick may have brought in five Test debutants, but the purpose of his gradual evolution is creating more suitors. The caution is not particularly sectarian and, with plenty of players over the age of 30 – Joe Marler, Jamie George, Dan Cole, Danny Care, George Ford, Henry Slade, Elliot Daly – England fans were entitled expect more conviction and precision from their side’s performances, regardless of initial problems with new tactical systems.
Of course, Borthwick was damned either way after a fantastic World Cup. He would argue that his veterans were vital in leading England to victories over Italy and Wales. Had he left out more elder statesmen and then lost either of those games, critics would have thrown him too much experience. England’s abundant options limit any comparisons with Wales here. Borthwick would not be able to claim a free-kick as easily as Gatland.
To borrow Jonny May’s opinion, the win in Scotland puts England under pressure. It was only their second loss in nine games, but the prospect of the Calcutta Cup as a crucial away encounter seemed to make them look worse. That said, the 30-21 loss was viewed in a number of ways. Sitting next to May recording The Good, The Bad and The Rugby Podcast, Mike Tindall labeled it “the best game England have tried to play in four years.” That makes for a pretty odd evening. England looked confident for the first quarter, going up 10-0, before launching three tries. They were undone, in part, by moving towards a more sophisticated approach. Unfortunately for Borthwick, that doesn’t make the answer any easier.
England’s selection at full-back is fantastic. George Furbank was selected over Freddie Steward, in part, to improve the attack. England were thought to need points to prevail at Murrayfield. Fast forward two weeks, and surely they must score a try to topple Ireland? If backline continuity is the best way to develop cohesion, then there will be a very strong case for keeping Furbank. It would hardly scream clarity if he was dropped again, which was supposed to be Borthwick’s calling card, even if Steward slipped out and back into the side during last year’s World Cup highlights.
England managed to block and block Ireland, relying on strong set pieces and energetic defence, for long periods of the last two Six Nations meetings between the sides. However, with the help of red cards, Andy Farrell’s men have inevitably won on both occasions, 17 points in 2022 and 13 points in 2023. England registered a total of two line breaks over those games, with Ireland going tackle it. 18. It could not be said that the performance of a battle is a meritorious progress but a dull one in victory.
Alex Mitchell will be available after beating the prognosis of initial scans on his knee injury. Marcus Smith looks set to play a central role in this Six Nations before his calf complaint, while also arguing. Whether they start or not, these two half-backs can lift the Twickenham crowd, and a wider base of supporters, who will be desperate to see enthusiasm and ambition; not just doggedness.
As well as selecting a stick or spin team, it is Borthwick’s responsibility to get other areas of preparation right. Can he build confidence by highlighting the positive aspects of England’s effort against Scotland – a slick first-class effort, some rebound kicks, solid scrummaging, good phase defense – and build on those while improving the things that will let them down? Does he announce his team to the wider squad earlier to ease the concern that May talked about?
How can England avoid tightening up and growing silly, as they looked against France 12 months ago? Players have always promised that their blitz defense will still be rushing every tournament. Fans would forgive a few mistakes if the attack was so sharp when opportunities arise to pull the trigger. In all fairness, until a late spell of urgency abandoned them, England looked in no shape to lose at Murrayfield. They have a tight schedule for the rest of 2024, including three meetings with New Zealand. Add courage and perseverance to the list of essential qualities.
Bookies have Ireland as the best by 11 points. Most expect the green Grand Slam procession to take another step. As for Borthwick, he must produce a convincing performance from the Catch-22 he faces.
