Before the Six Nations kicked off, England head coach Steve Borthwick described the upcoming clash with France in Paris on 14 March as a potential title decider.
“We want to be in a position to achieve our goals. English fans should be able to cross the channel and watch that game,” he said, aiming for a repeat of the 2016 Grand Slam and a first title since 2020.
Instead, England now find themselves in fourth place with only a single win against Wales to show, following back-to-back heavy defeats. A 31-20 loss to Scotland at Murrayfield ended their 12-game winning streak, and Saturday’s 42-21 defeat to Ireland at Allianz Stadium demolished their nine-match home winning run.
These performances raise concerns about Borthwick’s tactics and his players’ mental approach. With upcoming away games against Italy and France, England must perform well just to finish mid-table.
Ireland scored 22 points within the first 30 minutes, marking one of the worst first-half defensive displays at home in recent memory. Scotland had similarly raced to a 17-0 lead in the opening 15 minutes of their clash. Former England scrum-half Matt Dawson commented:
“Fast starts aren’t just about physicality. It’s about tactics, preparation, and understanding professional sport. England still hasn’t found a way to adapt when games start poorly.”
Former fly-half Paul Grayson echoed concerns about England’s performance against Ireland:
“From nowhere, England produced a display lacking accuracy, energy, and emotion. Even the Twickenham crowd became ironic in their cheers after 30 minutes.”
Borthwick has faced challenges before as England coach. In 2023, England conceded 53 points at home to France but later nearly reached the World Cup final. This time, England’s defense was porous, accuracy absent, and the gameplan exposed against Ireland.
Emerging back rower Henry Pollock gained his first Test start, intended to bring energy to prevent a repeat of Scotland’s blitz in the opening 20 minutes. Prop Ellis Genge reflected:
“Two weeks in a row, conceding so many early points opens up scar tissue from last week. We must improve in managing these periods and stop turning the ball over. No one has the answer right now, or we’d have sorted it out already.”
England repeatedly entered Ireland’s 22 but lacked the clinical finishing needed, making 14 handling errors. George Ford also missed a crucial touch, compounding the team’s struggles.
Senior players acknowledged responsibility. Genge added:
“All momentum and confidence from our winning streak vanished in 160 minutes of rugby. Scotland and Ireland have picked our tactics apart. Borthwick must adapt quickly if England are to salvage their campaign in Rome and Paris.”
