Bookies Favourites to Replace Under-Fire Steve Borthwick – Including Two Former England Bosses

Yesterday at 04:16 PM

England head coach Steve Borthwick’s position is under increasing pressure after the men in white slumped to a fifth consecutive defeat, this time at the hands of back-to-back World Cup champions South Africa at Twickenham's Allianz Stadium.

RUCK's Autumn Nations Series coverage is proudly powered by the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, dedicated to creating a world free of MND. Join the the fight against MND here.

Flying Start, But a Familiar Collapse

England started brightly, with wing Ollie Sleightholme crossing the line after just three minutes. But the Springboks soon flexed their muscles, responding with a rapid-fire trio of tries from Grant Williams, Pieter-Steph du Toit, and the electrifying Cheslin Kolbe.

England looked briefly revived when Sam Underhill’s charge brought them within two points at the break, but South Africa’s relentless pressure saw them secure a second-half try from Kolbe, sealing their victory.

The Southern Hemisphere Dominates

It's been a tough run for England, as the Southern Hemisphere's big three – New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa – have now claimed wins at Allianz Stadium on successive weekends.

The hosts will hope to bounce back when they face Japan, who were thrashed 52-12 by France last weekend, but questions over their progress under Borthwick continue to swirl.

Is Borthwick’s Job on the Line?

The pressure is mounting for Steve Borthwick, and it's not far-fetched to think his job could be at risk. The odds of the next England coach show just how much uncertainty surrounds his future:

• Sir Clive Woodward – 40/1
• Phil Dawson – 20/1
• Rob Baxter – 18/1
• Andy Farrell – 15/1
• Michael Cheika – 12/1
• Ronan O'Gara – 10/1
• Stuart Lancaster – 2/1

EDITORS PICKS:

• Owen Farrell's Heated Rivalry with one Springbok: "Very Different Characters"
• Premiership's only 'out' player is 6ft 8in forward who could target England call-up
• Martin Johnson Speaks Out After Desperate Attempt to Save Neighbour's Life
• Matt Dawson has a new a partner after splitting from wife following Question Of Sport exit
• Gatland facing the sack: The favourites to replace the under pressure Wales boss

Five England players Steve Borthwick should drop – and who should replace them

RUCK's Autumn Nations Series coverage is proudly powered by the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, dedicated to creating a world free of MND. Join the the fight against MND here.

Here's how each player fared, with ratings from multiple outlets:

#1. Freddie Steward – High Ball Hero, Defensive Zero?

Average Rating: 4.75/10

• Evening Standard (5/10):
  “Handed a first start this autumn due to his ability under the high ball, but struggled. Williams and Kolbe skinned him for their tries.”
• Telegraph (5/10):
  “Definition of sublime and ridiculous. Left clutching thin air for both Grant Williams' and Cheslin Kolbe's tries and at one stage did a face plant. Also some brilliant high-ball takes.”
• Express (4/10):
  “At fault for tries by Kolbe and Williams as he endured a difficult return to starting line-up.”
• Rugby Pass (5/10):
  “Exposed defensively for two tries, despite strong aerial work.”

Replacement: George Furbank – He shouldn't have been dropped in the first place.

#2. Ellis Genge – The Genge Rollercoaster

Average Rating: 4.5/10

• Evening Standard (5/10):
  “Let Williams slip past him as the scrum-half went over for South Africa's opening try. Improved after that, though, and was bright in the loose – but not at his best.”
• Express (4/10):
  “Scrum problems in first half, usual full-blooded commitment for an hour.”

Replacement: Fin Baxter – Genge's leadership was strong, but a change may be needed in the tighthead role.

#3. Ollie Lawrence – Hits, Misses, and a Bit More of the Same

Average Rating: 5/10

• Telegraph (5/10):
  “Barely used as a ball-carrier again. Put one huge hit on Manie Libbok but also wasted a good attacking opportunity with a needless kick. Disappointing.”
• Planet Rugby (5/10):
  “Solid in attack but caught out in defense, continuing the trend of inconsistency.”
• Express (5/10):
  “Hit hard and carried hard, but in this fixture that is a minimum requirement.”

Replacement: Alex Lozowski – Needs to step in to provide more stability and spark in attack.

#4. Will Stuart – Scrum Woes and Penalty Troubles

Average Rating: 4.5/10

• Telegraph (4/10):
  “Difficult to overlook the succession of three penalties, even if the third seemed harsh. Did get one back at the scrum in the second half.”
• Express (5/10):
  “England again unable to build any sort of attacking platform from their scrum against the mighty Boks.”

Replacement: Dan Cole – Still England’s best tighthead.

#5. Jack van Poortvliet – Struggling to Find His Rhythm

Average Rating: 4.5/10

• Evening Standard (5/10):
  “Shaky at times and repeatedly had his box-kicks charged down.”
• Planet Rugby (5/10):
  “Never fully recovered from a shaky start, with multiple box kicks charged down by du Toit and Etzebeth.”
• Express (3/10):
  “First start in a long while and it showed. Repeatedly charged down at the base.”
• Telegraph (5/10):
  “Etzebeth made him his bunny, charging him down twice in a hesitant early performance.”

Replacement: Ben Spencer – Should've been given more game time from the start.

The post Bookies Favourites to Replace Under-Fire Steve Borthwick – Including Two Former England Bosses appeared first on Ruck.