Eddie Jones is rallying behind Steve Borthwick as the Rugby Football Union (RFU) kicks off an investigation into England’s disappointing Six Nations campaign. After finishing fifth with a single win against Wales, England’s performance has stirred a lot of buzz, leaving Borthwick in a tense spot over his future.
Despite the pressure, former head coach Jones believes it would be a mistake to replace Borthwick so close to the World Cup in Australia next year. On his podcast, Jones mentioned that England simply had a bad tournament and stressed that Borthwick should be given the chance to turn things around. He remarked, “Steve’s done a good job overall. They’ve come off a streak of 12 wins, and sometimes teams just hit a rough patch.”
Jones didn’t shy away from criticising the English media, comparing them to an “immature” force that complicates team dynamics with unrealistic expectations. He suggested there’s likely an internal struggle within the squad, trying to stick to Borthwick’s vision amidst outside pressures.
With the RFU now inspecting the team’s lacklustre shows against Scotland, Ireland, and Italy, Borthwick faces some tough questions. However, their spirited performance in a narrow loss to France could have bought him some time to prove his worth.
The RFU review could take weeks, as both players and staff weigh in on what went wrong. What do you think, should Borthwick be given more time, or is it time for a change in England’s rugby leadership? Share your thoughts below! 🏉