England's rugby team under Steve Borthwick remains a bundle of contradictions, with an identity that is not as clear as it should be with the 2027 World Cup just a year away. Borthwick, who took over as head coach in December 2022, has overseen 28 victories from 48 matches, a 58% winning percentage that is marginally worse than Stuart Lancaster's record.
Contradictions in Coaching Style
Borthwick is often described as data-obsessed, yet he has proven to be a more bold selector than his predecessor, Eddie Jones. He has been praised for his 'Spock-like approach' by players like Jonny May, who said: "We're starting to see what a genius Steve is. You won't find a harder working man and his approach to the game is a little bit like Alan Turing. If anybody is going to crack the code to rugby, it will be Steve. He's got an analytical brain, evidence-based, scientific, Spock-like approach."
However, South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus has described Borthwick as a coach who "thinks like a machine" and one who "chases trends", implying he is not a trendsetter. These contrasting views highlight the complexity of Borthwick's coaching style, which is far from the robotic stereotype that persists.
Mixed Results on the Field
England's performances under Borthwick have been inconsistent. They have suffered their heaviest home defeat at the hands of France, first-ever losses to Fiji and Italy, and the worst Six Nations performance in England's history. Yet, they have also enjoyed a 12-match winning run and produced thrilling victories, including a stunning 68-14 win in Wales and an autumn clean sweep.
The team's best performances have often come when players have taken matters into their own hands, slipping the straitjacket of the gameplan. However, the absence of a statement victory away from home remains a significant indictment of Borthwick's tenure.
Off-Field Turbulence and Support
Off the field, Borthwick's position has seen fluctuations. The RFU issued a vote of confidence after a historic defeat to Italy, which read like an ultimatum, but less than two months later, his position was strengthened after a review, and his contract was extended. The departures of key backroom staff, Aled Walters and Felix Jones, in the summer of 2024, were pivotal moments, with Jones being forced to work out his notice by the RFU.
Despite the turbulence, Borthwick retains support from his players. Captain Jamie George said: "Steve is one of the best coaches I've ever worked under. Under Steve I think we will be right up there with the favourites to win the World Cup in 2027." However, there are reports of a generational divide in the camp and a split of opinions about how best to play.
Looking Ahead to the World Cup
As England enter World Cup year, the team's identity remains unclear. Borthwick's tenure hinges on the World Cup in Australia, and the performance in their last outing against Argentina was described as Jekyll and Hyde, sensational for 40 minutes and substandard thereafter. Fly-half Fin Smith said: "If we have a pretty ropey autumn, on the back of building some momentum over the summer, I think we will need to have a pretty hard look at ourselves."
The first half against Argentina and the sense of liberation in defeat in Paris must be the blueprint if Borthwick is to win over the public in the next 12 months. Whether the RFU has the appetite for change so close to another World Cup remains an open question, but Borthwick's contract extension through to the following Six Nations merely buys the union time when deciding whether to sack him and who to replace him with.
