Borthwick Under Pressure, but No Regime Change Imminent
As England’s rugby union team continues to struggle, calls for a change in leadership have intensified. However, there is no indication that head coach Steve Borthwick’s job is in jeopardy, despite the team’s underwhelming performance in a results-driven business.
Supporters are losing hope and patience, but the mood within the Rugby Football Union (RFU) appears to be one of unwavering support. The RFU hierarchy is unlikely to scrutinize their own decisions, and any boardroom unrest, if it exists, remains concealed from the public eye.
Before the sacking of Eddie Jones, England’s 2022 autumn results included a 52-13 win over Japan and a dramatic 25-25 draw with the All Blacks. However, the RFU had already lost faith in Jones following a disappointing Six Nations campaign earlier that year.
Under Borthwick’s tenure, England have lost two out of three Tests on tour, and with the world-champion Springboks looming, the national team faces the grim prospect of three straight autumn defeats. Borthwick’s win record stands at 50%, with the only statement victory being a narrow win over Ireland earlier this year.
The team’s recent performances have been a cause for concern, with England losing to lower-ranked opponents such as Fiji and narrowly avoiding defeat against Samoa. The public is entitled to demand transparency from the RFU, as they are the primary funders of the national team through ticket sales, merchandise, and television subscriptions.
One bright spot in the recent defeat to Australia was the debut of cross-code rookie Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i, who delivered a performance that has ignited anticipation for the upcoming Lions tour of Australia. Sua’ali’i’s natural talent and physical attributes suggest a bright future in the sport.
Despite the team’s struggles, there were moments of promise, with Marcus Smith’s brilliant play and the impressive cohesion and skill displayed in the early stages of the match. However, the team’s inability to maintain their momentum and the defensive lapses ultimately proved costly.
As the team prepares to face the Springboks, a tough post-campaign review is expected, rather than a perfunctory, box-ticking exercise. The public deserves transparency from the RFU on the team’s performance and the steps being taken to address the ongoing issues.
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