Steve Borthwick's England produced a performance brimming with positives despite an agonising defeat to France in the Six Nations finale. The team showed character and swagger, offering hope for a turning point in Borthwick's tenure. Moments of naivety and mistakes were evident, but the performance signposted a way forward if England can maintain this level of play.
England captain Maro Itoje bestrode the contest like a titan, despite running on fumes through the tournament, physically drained from playing so much rugby and emotionally drained from grieving his late mother. Itoje had called for his players to show 'character' before the match, deliberately using the word to invoke courage, integrity and spirit. The team responded, wearing every punch France threw and coming back for more until Thomas Ramos's last-gasp penalty sealed the result.
The concern is that Borthwick and his analysts may pore over the mistakes and narrow their horizons, but the coach must continue with the ambitious gameplan that gave rise to optimism. The shackles are off, and the players are evidently still playing for him. A statement away win still eludes Borthwick, but he has arguably something more significant: a group of players who performed remarkably when he let them.
Why England waited until the final round to demonstrate their capabilities remains a question. But for now, Borthwick can hang his hat on a spirited display that offers hope for better times ahead.
