Six Nations: Borthwick aims for victory in every England match

Steve Borthwick says he is not distracted by his current role and has received no directives from his embattled superiors regarding winning targets or budget cuts.

“At this point before the tournament starts, why shouldn’t we approach every match with the desire to win it?” he told the press.

“It’s what every England fan expects from me and the players, and it’s what we expect from ourselves.”

“Since taking on this role two years ago, I have always had the support of the RFU regarding our ambitions.”

“Our priority is the Six Nations Tournament coming up, and how we get the performances and results we hope for.”

Borthwick stressed throughout the autumn that the team was progressing, improving and developing its identity, but he made a major change ahead of the Championship, with Maro Itoje taking the captaincy from Jamie George.

This decision is logical: Itoje, four years younger than George, fits perfectly into the team and should play all the matches.

However, George is one of the most valued members of the team and has led the group with great class, both on and off the field. It’s a bold choice.

There will also be strategic changes.

Former assistant coach Felix Jones joined the team from South Africa a year ago and introduced a “blitz” style defense inspired by the Springboks.

Just when it seemed like it was paying off, Jones abruptly resigned.

As a result, the defense has been chaotic this autumn, although Borthwick also spoke of the number of defensive gaps England conceded in the summer against New Zealand when Jones was on duty.

“To be very clear, we are a team focused on line speed,” Borthwick said.

“I want the team to get out of line and put pressure on the opponent. Will there be any slight modifications and adjustments? Yes. There will be position changes that will be a little different.”

With the ball, however, Borthwick promised to maintain the same style of play.

After playing little in 2023, England opened up play in 2024, with Borthwick committing to keeping an attacking style in 2025.

“This is a team that has evolved over the past year and continues to do so,” he added.

“I feel what the England fans want to see is the England team continuing to play with pace and putting the ball in play, because that’s what makes them respond.”