"English gameplan is baffling"

Yesterday at 08:02 AM

SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT: England's 16-15 victory over Scotland in the Calcutta Cup has failed to appease a sizeable portion of rugby fans, who took to social media to voice their frustrations regarding head coach Steve Borthwick's tactics.

Despite securing a narrow win at Twickenham, many fans described England's persistent reliance on the boot – from box kicks to tactical punts – as ineffective, poorly executed and above all, incredibly boring.

England's kicking strategy repeatedly handed Scotland possession, enabling the visitors to counter with dangerous strike runners. Several posts on social media pointed out the apparent lack of a cohesive chase, which meant that many kicks merely relieved pressure, rather than creating attacking opportunities for England.

But the sheer repetitiveness of the kicking sapped the souls of many England rugby fans.

Another not-so-happy customer offered: "England rugby has to be the most boring, one-dimensional side I've ever seen. Kick kick kick.

"Then they eke out a point victory. Something has to be done to work the rules. It simply cannot be that you can be so negative and successful.

"There is zero incentive to play rugby."

And it wasn't just England fans.

On RTE Former Ireland No.8 Jamie Heaslip described England's gameplan as 'Really boring… just kicking the leather off it', while fellow Ireland back-rower Stephen Ferris queried whether Steve Borthwick is the man to progress this team.

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