Under-Fire Borthwick Says He's 'Got the T-Shirt' as England Beat Australia
England scored seven tries and its 45 points were the most ever against Australia, easing pressure on coach Steve Borthwick after five losses in eight Tests.
- England defeated Australia 45-22 at Twickenham on Sunday, recording a record victory that eased pressure on head coach Steve Borthwick. The team scored seven tries during the Nations Championship match.
- Facing scrutiny after losing five of eight 2026 tests, Borthwick had been targeted by newspaper reports alleging a "toxic environment." Senior players including captain Maro Itoje denied these management claims following the emphatic victory.
- Replacement Henry Pollock scored two tries after coming off the bench, though injuries clouded the performance. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso limped off with an ankle problem at halftime; Seb Atkinson remains doubtful for Saturday's match against Japan after limping off in the 64th minute.
- Former England player Chris Ashton called the Wallabies "toothless" and "woeful," questioning Rugby Australia's recruitment of league players like Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii. Australia captain Harry Wilson admitted the team "struggled to get our game going," marking their third consecutive defeat.
- Itoje stated England is in a "good place" but must continue building ahead of next year's Rugby World Cup. Australia faces their next Nations Championship test against Japan while managing squad composition questions amid the broader competitive landscape.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Sydney Morning Herald
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Dual international Chris Ashton believes Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii looks lost on a rugby field, and questioned why Rugby Australia keep signing league players.
Under-fire Borthwick says he's 'got the T-shirt' as England beat Australia
Steve Borthwick said his "focus had been on the rugby" as he thanked his predecessors as England coach after a tricky week ended with a record 45-22 win over Australia at Twickenham on Sunday.
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