Borthwick claims players not fit enough for Test rugby after South Africa loss

Yesterday at 01:00 PM

• England coach does not believe he will be sacked
• Freddie Stewart says players should shoulder blame

Steve Borthwick has claimed his England players were not fit enough for Test rugby when they began their autumn internationals after Saturday's defeat by South Africa extended their dismal losing run.

In what could be construed as a tacit admission that Aled Walters' departure has been keenly felt, Borthwick has risked the ire of Premiership clubs by stating that his players' "condition" was not "where it needed to be" at the start of the month.