The England rugby team suffered their fifth straight defeat on Saturday, falling 20-29 to the world champion South Africa Springboks at Twickenham Stadium. Despite the painful loss, head coach Steve Borthwick remained positive about the team’s trajectory and future.
Borthwick Believes England On Right Path
In the post-match press conference, a visibly frustrated Borthwick acknowledged the challenging period his squad is enduring, having now lost to Scotland, France, New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa in 2024. England have managed just four wins in their last 11 matches.
“These are tough times for us right now,” Borthwick admitted. “It’s painful and frustrating. But I strongly believe we are on the right path. This team has an incredibly exciting future ahead of it.”
Promising Glimpses Overshadowed By Errors
England showed flashes of their attacking potential, moving the ball well at times. But as has been the case in recent matches, ill-discipline and lapses in concentration proved costly against a ruthless Springbok side.
“Small mistakes against teams like South Africa end up being hugely significant,” Borthwick noted. “That’s what we’re working through with the players to get this team to where I know it can go in the coming years.”
Support From RFU Despite Recent Results
When questioned about his job security given England’s recent run of poor form, Borthwick was quick to point out the unwavering support he’s received from his bosses at the Rugby Football Union.
“The RFU has shown me nothing but absolute belief that we’re moving in the right direction,” the embattled coach stated. “These are painful experiences, but I’m certain this adversity will make us a stronger team in the long run.”
England Slip To 7th In World Rankings
The loss to South Africa, coupled with other results over the international window, has seen England drop to a lowly 7th place in the official World Rugby rankings. It marks their worst position since the ranking system was introduced nearly 20 years ago.
Captain Jamie George echoed his coach’s sentiments, lamenting missed opportunities but remaining confident the team can turn the corner soon.
“Of course we wanted to give our supporters three wins from three this month,” said George. “But there were positives to take from how we created chances against a world-class opponent. We just need to find a way to close these games out.”
Erasmus, Kolbe Heap Praise On England
In contrast to England’s woes, it was smiles all around for the Springboks, who ended their European tour undefeated. Head coach Rassie Erasmus paid tribute to England’s effort in a hard-fought encounter.
“That match was as competitive as hell,” said Erasmus. “England really took it to us and we had to dig deep. Fortunately we have special players like Cheslin Kolbe who can create something from nothing.”
Kolbe, the electric winger who scored two stunning tries on the day, drew special praise from his coach.
“I keep saying Cheslin is a special talent but it never seems to go to his head,” Erasmus marveled. “There’s no championship he hasn’t won. We’re so lucky to have him and this great crop of outside backs.”
For Borthwick and England, the post-mortem will begin as they aim to regroup ahead of the 2025 Six Nations. While the sting of defeat remains fresh, the optimism of their ambitious coach gives fans reason to believe brighter days lie ahead.
“These are tough times for us right now,” Borthwick admitted. “It’s painful and frustrating. But I strongly believe we are on the right path. This team has an incredibly exciting future ahead of it.”
Promising Glimpses Overshadowed By Errors
England showed flashes of their attacking potential, moving the ball well at times. But as has been the case in recent matches, ill-discipline and lapses in concentration proved costly against a ruthless Springbok side.
“Small mistakes against teams like South Africa end up being hugely significant,” Borthwick noted. “That’s what we’re working through with the players to get this team to where I know it can go in the coming years.”
Support From RFU Despite Recent Results
When questioned about his job security given England’s recent run of poor form, Borthwick was quick to point out the unwavering support he’s received from his bosses at the Rugby Football Union.
“The RFU has shown me nothing but absolute belief that we’re moving in the right direction,” the embattled coach stated. “These are painful experiences, but I’m certain this adversity will make us a stronger team in the long run.”
England Slip To 7th In World Rankings
The loss to South Africa, coupled with other results over the international window, has seen England drop to a lowly 7th place in the official World Rugby rankings. It marks their worst position since the ranking system was introduced nearly 20 years ago.
Captain Jamie George echoed his coach’s sentiments, lamenting missed opportunities but remaining confident the team can turn the corner soon.
“Of course we wanted to give our supporters three wins from three this month,” said George. “But there were positives to take from how we created chances against a world-class opponent. We just need to find a way to close these games out.”
Erasmus, Kolbe Heap Praise On England
In contrast to England’s woes, it was smiles all around for the Springboks, who ended their European tour undefeated. Head coach Rassie Erasmus paid tribute to England’s effort in a hard-fought encounter.
“That match was as competitive as hell,” said Erasmus. “England really took it to us and we had to dig deep. Fortunately we have special players like Cheslin Kolbe who can create something from nothing.”
Kolbe, the electric winger who scored two stunning tries on the day, drew special praise from his coach.
“I keep saying Cheslin is a special talent but it never seems to go to his head,” Erasmus marveled. “There’s no championship he hasn’t won. We’re so lucky to have him and this great crop of outside backs.”
For Borthwick and England, the post-mortem will begin as they aim to regroup ahead of the 2025 Six Nations. While the sting of defeat remains fresh, the optimism of their ambitious coach gives fans reason to believe brighter days lie ahead.
