England v New Zealand: Steve Borthwick backs Ben Earl to cover centre against All Blacks
1 month, 3 weeks ago

England v New Zealand: Steve Borthwick backs Ben Earl to cover centre against All Blacks

The Telegraph  

Backfield cover will be provided by fly-half Marcus Smith, who Borthwick has previously deployed at full-back, as well as Earl who finished playing centre in the 52-17 victory against Japan in June. In both Tests against New Zealand in the summer, England let winning positions slip in the final quarter, prompting Borthwick to load up on extra loose forwards this time in the form of Nick Isiekwe, Ben Curry and Alex Dombrandt. That’s been in consideration for a long period now, to be in a position where we can go 6-2.” Borthwick also confirmed that Ollie Chessum will miss the rest of the Autumn Nations Series after Telegraph Sport revealed that he had sustained a knee injury in training last week. In Chessum’s absence, Borthwick has opted to give Tom Curry his first start since last year’s World Cup third place play-off against Argentina in the back row, alongside Chandler Cunningham-South and Earl. Underhill also missed out on one of the 17 Enhanced Elite Player Contacts that the Rugby Football Union announced last week, however Borthwick was adamant that has no bearing on selection.

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History of this topic

NZ vs ENG, 2nd Test: Blundell’s century in vain as England beats Black Caps by 323 runs
2 weeks, 2 days ago

NZ vs ENG, 2nd Test: Blundell’s century in vain as England beats Black Caps by 323 runs

The Hindu  

England finally faced some resistance from New Zealand in the shape of Tom Blundell’s defiant century but dismissed the Black Caps for 259 to wrap up a thumping 323-run victory on the third day of the second Test on Sunday. New Zealand’s Tom Blundell celebrates his century during play on day three of the second Test against England. He delivered …

What next for England after frustrating autumn? Five questions Steve Borthwick must answer before Six Nations
3 weeks, 6 days ago

What next for England after frustrating autumn? Five questions Steve Borthwick must answer before Six Nations

The Independent  

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England run riot against Japan – but blitz defence needs work
1 month ago

England run riot against Japan – but blitz defence needs work

The Telegraph  

This was a victory with plenty of attacking verve and potency as England greedily ran in nine tries, including one created by a glorious behind-the-back pass by Tommy Freeman, to give Steve Borthwick some much-needed momentum to build on going into the Six Nations Championship. Although it would be a bold attacking strategy, particularly with England facing Ireland in Dublin …

England vs Japan team news: Tom Curry starts after concussion concerns as exciting youngster handed debut
1 month ago

England vs Japan team news: Tom Curry starts after concussion concerns as exciting youngster handed debut

The Independent  

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Steve Borthwick wields the changes in his backline for England's clash with South Africa as they look to bounce back from New Zealand and Australia defeats
1 month, 1 week ago

Steve Borthwick wields the changes in his backline for England's clash with South Africa as they look to bounce back from New Zealand and Australia defeats

Daily Mail  

Two of the backs have been dropped for the crunch autumn international clash England will take on back-to-back world champions at Twickenham on Saturday England head coach Steve Borthwick has wielded the axe on backs Ben Spencer and George Furbank for his team's crunch autumn clash with back-to-back world champions South Africa. Steve Borthwick has wielded the changes in his …

England handed HUGE double injury blow ahead of South Africa clash with two key stars set to miss out with head injuries
1 month, 1 week ago

England handed HUGE double injury blow ahead of South Africa clash with two key stars set to miss out with head injuries

Daily Mail  

The pair were withdrawn during England's weekend defeat against Australia Tom Curry and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso have been ruled out with head injuries The Roses will be without a key duo for their Twickenham clash v South Africa England have been hit by more disruption after being forced to rule Tom Curry and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso out of the clash with South …

Marcus Smith is England’s only world-class player – but he cannot win games alone
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Marcus Smith is England’s only world-class player – but he cannot win games alone

The Telegraph  

There are many takeaways from this latest defeat for England. It launched Joseph Sua’ali’i onto the international stage as a global superstar and confirmed England’s blitz defensive system requires an overhaul. Yet the most pertinent issue if England are to salvage anything from this autumn campaign is that they must build their game around Marcus Smith. With key men such …

NZ vs ENG 2024: New Zealand expect England to stick to attacking ‘Bazball’ ways
1 month, 2 weeks ago

NZ vs ENG 2024: New Zealand expect England to stick to attacking ‘Bazball’ ways

The Hindu  

New Zealand expects England to stick to its attacking brand of cricket when it faces the Black Caps in the upcoming home test series despite Ben Stokes’s team crashing to defeat in Pakistan. Former England captains Nasser Hussain and Michael Vaughan said ‘Bazball’ had met its match against Pakistan but New Zealand skipper Tom Latham was not convinced the tourists …

Tom Curry says ‘blame England players for crumbling not Steve Borthwick’ – here is why
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Tom Curry says ‘blame England players for crumbling not Steve Borthwick’ – here is why

The Telegraph  

Tom Curry is adamant that England’s players should shoulder responsibility for their habit of falling away in the final quarter rather than head coach Steve Borthwick. The flanker admits that the squad “have let themselves down” with their indiscipline late in games as England seek to relieve the pressure of only winning one of their last six matches against tier-one …

England Sticks with Unchanged Team for Australia Clash
1 month, 2 weeks ago

England Sticks with Unchanged Team for Australia Clash

Hindustan Times  

England has named an unchanged team for their clash with Australia in the second of four Tests at Twickenham this month. The starting lineup remains the same, with the only adjustments being made to the bench with Luke Cowan-Dickie replacing Theo Dan at hooker and Ben Curry returning to a five-three split between forwards and backs.

England name unchanged XV to face Australia as Luke Cowan-Dickie returns to the bench
Trending News
1 month, 2 weeks ago

England name unchanged XV to face Australia as Luke Cowan-Dickie returns to the bench

The Telegraph  

He recently told Telegraph Sport: “At that point my arm was screwed and then my heart went so I was thinking really what more can happen?” However, he has started this season in fine form for Sale Sharks and is promoted above Theo Dan as replacement hooker behind captain Jamie George. The other change to the bench sees Northampton winger …

The changes Steve Borthwick could make to solve England’s scrum woes
1 month, 2 weeks ago

The changes Steve Borthwick could make to solve England’s scrum woes

The Independent  

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Steve Borthwick needs to deliver and focus on haka as England face New Zealand
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Steve Borthwick needs to deliver and focus on haka as England face New Zealand

The Independent  

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Ben Spencer to make first England start against New Zealand - as Bath captain, 32, wins three-way tussle for scrum-half place at Twickenham
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Ben Spencer to make first England start against New Zealand - as Bath captain, 32, wins three-way tussle for scrum-half place at Twickenham

Daily Mail  

Ben Spencer will make his first start for England, at the age of 32, against New Zealand on Saturday – as the Bath captain has won a three-way tussle for the vacant scrum-half place. Elsewhere, Ellis Genge and Tom Curry are among those recalled to the England starting XV, as Steve Borthwick has opted to bring forward his team announcement. …

England hit by fresh injury blow ahead of All Blacks test
1 month, 3 weeks ago

England hit by fresh injury blow ahead of All Blacks test

The Independent  

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England announce first 17 recipients of new contracts as Steve Borthwick’s core squad revealed
1 month, 4 weeks ago

England announce first 17 recipients of new contracts as Steve Borthwick’s core squad revealed

The Independent  

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England’s scrum halves urged to up the tempo as key selection decision looms
1 month, 4 weeks ago

England’s scrum halves urged to up the tempo as key selection decision looms

The Independent  

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Steve Borthwick urges England to turn performances into victories
2 months ago

Steve Borthwick urges England to turn performances into victories

The Independent  

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Five pressing issues Steve Borthwick must address before England’s autumn internationals
2 months, 2 weeks ago

Five pressing issues Steve Borthwick must address before England’s autumn internationals

The Telegraph  

El-Abd, meanwhile, takes charge of defence. And, after conceding just 40 points across two Tests against New Zealand, England will surely persist with the ultra-aggressive blitz appropriated by Jones from the Springboks. …and pick a new leader Henry Slade has been listed in a ‘rehabilitation’ section of the squad, suggesting that he is reasonably close to a return to full …

Will Greenwood: Marcus Smith can tweak his game to be England’s best fly-half
5 months, 1 week ago

Will Greenwood: Marcus Smith can tweak his game to be England’s best fly-half

The Independent  

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Steve Borthwick taunted by All Blacks fan: England coach challenges New Zealand to ‘beat us with style’
5 months, 1 week ago

Steve Borthwick taunted by All Blacks fan: England coach challenges New Zealand to ‘beat us with style’

The Telegraph  

“The result is super important,” he added. By watching them and seeing what was going on in their coaches’ box, we certainly caused some stress and hopefully we can do that again this week.” The issue for England is that there is a widespread expectation that New Zealand will be better too, with Robertson having got his first game under …

England seek clarity on New Zealand scrums from World Rugby as team named to face All Blacks
5 months, 1 week ago

England seek clarity on New Zealand scrums from World Rugby as team named to face All Blacks

The Telegraph  

Experts, including Telegraph Sport columnist Brian Moore, television commentator David Flatman and Harlequins scrum coach Adam Jones, have questioned the legality of All Blacks loosehead Ethan de Groot’s action in the first Test that New Zealand won 16-15 in Dunedin. Moore wrote that “Ethan de Groot was illegally shifting outside Will Stuart and driving straight upwards” which helped give New …

New Zealand 16-15 England: Steve Borthwick's side suffer narrow defeat at the hands of All Blacks as late Damian McKenzie penalty secures victory for the hosts
5 months, 2 weeks ago

New Zealand 16-15 England: Steve Borthwick's side suffer narrow defeat at the hands of All Blacks as late Damian McKenzie penalty secures victory for the hosts

Daily Mail  

England came on a mission to make history but ended up becoming trapped in the same old story of defeat and despair against the All Blacks in New Zealand. England suffered a narrow defeat against New Zealand in the first Test of the two-match series Damian McKenzie's late penalty secured victory for the hosts, who had trailed 15-10 early on …

New Zealand legend Justin Marshall insists England have a 'massive advantage' heading into Saturday's first Test, as he claims Steve Borthwick's men can spoil the 'vulnerable' All Blacks' new era
5 months, 2 weeks ago

New Zealand legend Justin Marshall insists England have a 'massive advantage' heading into Saturday's first Test, as he claims Steve Borthwick's men can spoil the 'vulnerable' All Blacks' new era

Daily Mail  

Even the great and the good of New Zealand rugby are uneasy about the start of the All Blacks’ new era – and England’s capacity to spoil Scott Robertson’s long-awaited debut as head coach. My heart still says New Zealand to win, but it’s not going to be easy – this is England’s big chance. Former New Zealand scrum-half Justin …

England v New Zealand at Eden Park: Date, kick-off time and TV channel
6 months ago

England v New Zealand at Eden Park: Date, kick-off time and TV channel

The Telegraph  

Ten years on from their last tour of New Zealand, England have returned to the land of the long white cloud hoping to improve on the 3-0 series loss they endured in 2014. This series is Steve Borthwick’s biggest test as head coach since taking the helm in December 2022 and his team almost came close to ending the 21-year …

The key question facing Steve Borthwick set to shape England’s future
6 months, 1 week ago

The key question facing Steve Borthwick set to shape England’s future

The Independent  

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Ben Earl’s dynamism and brave use of the bench: How England pulled off shock win against Ireland
9 months, 2 weeks ago

Ben Earl’s dynamism and brave use of the bench: How England pulled off shock win against Ireland

The Telegraph  

Fast starts are relatively easy. At half-time of this compelling contest at Twickenham, just after Jack Crowley had slotted a fourth penalty to put his team 12-8 ahead, Ireland’s players sprinted off the field as though they were chasing the opening kick-off – mind games 101. England’s head coach used this fictional moment to stress that with continuity, his team’s …

England v Ireland result: Marcus Smith drop-goal clinches sensational Six Nations victory
9 months, 2 weeks ago

England v Ireland result: Marcus Smith drop-goal clinches sensational Six Nations victory

The Telegraph  

England, where have you been? The shock and awe that overwhelmed Scotland in Rome reverberated all the way to Twickenham as Steve Borthwick’s side sensationally shattered Ireland’s Grand Slam procession. If Ireland needed a reminder of the reason why no team has yet to complete back-to-back Grand Slams in the Six Nations, England provided it in spades with a stunning …

Marcus Smith recovers from calf injury to feature in Steve Borthwick's England squad to face Ireland, with Alex Mitchell also returning after a knee issue kept him out in Scotland
9 months, 2 weeks ago

Marcus Smith recovers from calf injury to feature in Steve Borthwick's England squad to face Ireland, with Alex Mitchell also returning after a knee issue kept him out in Scotland

Daily Mail  

Steve Borthwick must decide if he is fit enough for the 23 after his calf injury England head coach Steve Borthwick will be able to call on Marcus Smith for the first time in this year’s Six Nations after the star No 10 completed his recovery from a calf injury. Marcus Smith is in the Six Nations squad to face …

Three back rowers can solve Steve Borthwick’s problem after England A’s 91-5 thrashing of Portugal
9 months, 4 weeks ago

Three back rowers can solve Steve Borthwick’s problem after England A’s 91-5 thrashing of Portugal

The Telegraph  

It is not all doom and gloom when it comes to English rugby. Just 24 hours after Steve Borthwick watched his senior side lose a fourth successive Calcutta Cup encounter with Scotland, the head coach was back on a familiar stomping ground taking a look into the future. For the first time in eight years, England’s A side were being …

England coach Steve Borthwick confirms unchanged XV for home Six Nations clash with Wales as Red Rose hope to build on opening Italy win
10 months, 2 weeks ago

England coach Steve Borthwick confirms unchanged XV for home Six Nations clash with Wales as Red Rose hope to build on opening Italy win

Daily Mail  

Steve Borthwick has confirmed the selection of an unchanged England starting XV for the Six Nations showdown with Wales at Twickenham on Saturday. By opting for selection stability, Borthwick has backed the five players who made their England debuts in Rome - Ethan Roots and Fraser Dingwall in the starting XV, along with Chandler Cunningham-South, Fin Smith and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso …

Steve Borthwick knows England players need to be ‘supported and cared for’
11 months ago

Steve Borthwick knows England players need to be ‘supported and cared for’

The Independent  

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Topsy Ojo: Time is right for England boss Steve Borthwick to introduce new blood
11 months ago

Topsy Ojo: Time is right for England boss Steve Borthwick to introduce new blood

The Independent  

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Steve Borthwick names seven uncapped players in England Six Nations squad
11 months, 1 week ago

Steve Borthwick names seven uncapped players in England Six Nations squad

The Telegraph  

England head coach Steve Borthwick has told Jamie George to stamp his personality on a new-look squad and insists the hooker can be more than a stopgap captain. As Telegraph Sport first reported, Borthwick confirmed that George will lead England into the 2024 Six Nations as he unveiled a squad featuring seven uncapped players. After attracting strong interest from several …

How England will develop ‘Borthball 2.0’
11 months, 2 weeks ago

How England will develop ‘Borthball 2.0’

The Telegraph  

Given they should have a sturdy line-out platform, and a brawny maul, England should be able to unfurl a few innovative strike moves of their own. The decision of who starts at fly-half out of George Ford, Marcus Smith or Fin Smith looms large. Whether or not he heads to the Top 14, Farrell’s sabbatical should give a new fly-half …

Steve Borthwick hails influence of absent Owen Farrell as he considers England captaincy contenders
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Steve Borthwick hails influence of absent Owen Farrell as he considers England captaincy contenders

The Independent  

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Ben Earl shows value of perseverance to become England’s unlikely star at Rugby World Cup
1 year, 2 months ago

Ben Earl shows value of perseverance to become England’s unlikely star at Rugby World Cup

Associated Press  

England’s best player at the Rugby World Cup hadn’t started a match for his country until a month before the tournament. “We know that he has faced adversity before with England,” Sinfield said, “but he has certainly gone after it and he deserves everything that he gets.” It’s quite the England-South Africa doubleheader on Saturday, with the two countries also …

Joe Marler will start England's Rugby World Cup semi-final against South Africa as one of three changes made by Steve Borthwick for their Paris showdown
1 year, 2 months ago

Joe Marler will start England's Rugby World Cup semi-final against South Africa as one of three changes made by Steve Borthwick for their Paris showdown

Daily Mail  

Joe Marler has been recalled to England’s starting XV for the World Cup semi-final against South Africa, as one of three changes. As well as the anticipated inclusion of Freddie Steward at full-back in place of the injured Marcus Smith - who is out of the match day 23 - head coach Steve Borthwick has revamped his pack. Marler has …

Marcus Smith hailed after ‘face smashed’ as England consider role for Rugby World Cup semi-final
1 year, 2 months ago

Marcus Smith hailed after ‘face smashed’ as England consider role for Rugby World Cup semi-final

The Independent  

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Steve Borthwick ‘very happy’ with England squad despite defeat to Fiji
1 year, 3 months ago

Steve Borthwick ‘very happy’ with England squad despite defeat to Fiji

The Independent  

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Steve Borthwick avoids grand statements but England’s Rugby World Cup squad offers clues
1 year, 4 months ago

Steve Borthwick avoids grand statements but England’s Rugby World Cup squad offers clues

The Independent  

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Bulk and versatility key as Steve Borthwick looks to reprise England's 'white orcs' of 2003
1 year, 4 months ago

Bulk and versatility key as Steve Borthwick looks to reprise England's 'white orcs' of 2003

The Telegraph  

In the complex matrix of attempting to squeeze as many big and menacing forwards into the 33, something had to give. Yet selection of the 19 forwards is even more revealing of Borthwick’s mindset, where a return to England’s traditional setpiece strength appears to have been the overwhelming priority, with back five versatility the key here. Borthwick: ‘We need to …

I will reflect – Steve Borthwick left pondering World Cup squad after Wales loss
1 year, 4 months ago

I will reflect – Steve Borthwick left pondering World Cup squad after Wales loss

The Independent  

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New Zealand vs England: Harry Brook racks up more runs after nine Test innings than anyone in history
1 year, 10 months ago

New Zealand vs England: Harry Brook racks up more runs after nine Test innings than anyone in history

The Telegraph  

Expect England to announce an unchanged team at the toss in a few moments. Last week's victory was a first in a test for England in New Zealand since 2008 and they now have a chance to inflict a first home test series defeat on the Black Caps in six years. Tim Southee, the New Zealand captain, has made it …

Wales v England Six Nations team news: Borthwick's selections look close to a proper Test-match team
1 year, 10 months ago

Wales v England Six Nations team news: Borthwick's selections look close to a proper Test-match team

The Telegraph  

After weeks of teeth-gnashing and nail-biting, Wales finally ended their threat not to play England in the Six Nations this Saturday after the WRU met the demands of the players. If the match had not gone ahead, the Welsh Rugby Union would have lost around £20 million, the city of Cardiff a similarly huge amount, and the game at large …

England v Italy result: First Six Nations win of Steve Borthwick era
1 year, 10 months ago

England v Italy result: First Six Nations win of Steve Borthwick era

The Telegraph  

By Tom Cary at Twickenham How you view this game as an England supporter will depend on whether you are a glass-half-full or glass-half-empty type person. The latter will say it was a workmanlike performance against the weakest team in the Six Nations, and that if this is what England fans have to look forward to under Steve Borthwick they …

Highlights, England vs New Zealand, 3rd Test Day 4 in Headingley: Hosts in driver's seat in chase of 296
2 years, 5 months ago

Highlights, England vs New Zealand, 3rd Test Day 4 in Headingley: Hosts in driver's seat in chase of 296

Firstpost  

Follow LIVE scorecard from the third Test between England and New Zealand. Day 3 report: England strangled New Zealand’s top order through pace and spin in the second innings to stay in the ascendency three days into the third test at Headingley on Saturday. Tom Latham and captain Kane Williamson raised New Zealand hopes of setting a big target in …

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