"Dream team" – Brian Moore picks his replacement for Steve Borthwick, England boss is 'on thin ice'

11/11/2024 02:55 AM

England boss Steve Borthwick is feeling the heat after his side suffered their fourth consecutive defeat, this time against the Wallabies.

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As the pressure builds, rugby pundit Brian Moore has pointed out that the World Cup cycle isn't doing Borthwick any favors, and time is quickly running out for his coaching ideas to bear fruit.

“Taking a long-term view has long gone”

Moore didn't mince words in his column. “Taking a long-term view has long gone and, as with its football equivalent, England's top rugby job is subject to the full force of social, digital and traditional media speculation,” he wrote. Moore believes in giving coaches a chance to fulfill their contracts, but he admitted that's not a common sentiment anymore.

“If England come badly unstuck against South Africa this Saturday,” Moore added, “Borthwick's position will come under distinct pressure, even if the Rugby Football Union is still backing its man.” He stressed that the narrow losses to elite opponents won't matter much when fans focus on the grim reality of repeated defeats that unfold in similar fashion.

Coaching Style Under Fire

“Some of the criticisms of Borthwick are not his fault,” Moore pointed out, describing the England boss as a detail-oriented, reflective "coaches' coach." But this reserved nature clashes with what many people want in a leader: passion and vision. “They demand passion and vision and, at times, with Borthwick it is difficult to discern either,”

Moore explained. Using buzzwords like "learning lessons" doesn't help Borthwick's case. “If every England player was learning lessons from defeat, there would be a number of PhD holders,” Moore noted.

Farrell & Edwards: The Fans’ Fantasy

Moore also explored the idea of successors like Andy Farrell and Shaun Edwards, who have enjoyed major success abroad. “Borthwick's position is also not made any more secure by the fact both Andy Farrell and Shaun Edwards have long appealed to England supporters after significant success with other nations,” he wrote.

However, there's a major hurdle: they're under contract until 2027. Moore acknowledged, "There is no guarantee that a Farrell-Edwards combination would be available before their contracts expire in 2027, nor that it would be a world-beating one for that matter, but you cannot deny its attraction to most England fans."

Six Nations Sack Race Odds

NEXT ENGLAND HEAD COACH ODDS:

Below we look at the current bookies favourites to replace Borthwick.

Rob Baxter – 12/1

The long-serving Exeter Chiefs coach has built a highly successful team, guiding them from the Championship to European champions.

Although Baxter has expressed satisfaction with his role at Exeter, he remains open to discussing the England job. His experience is primarily at the club level, which might be a consideration for the RFU in selecting a national head coach.

Andy Farrell – 10/1

Ireland's current head coach, Andy Farrell, would be a high-profile option for England, especially given his previous role as their defence coach from 2011 to 2015.

However, he is under contract with Ireland through 2025, and his departure following England's disappointing 2015 World Cup could complicate a return to the RFU.

Ronan O’Gara – 6/1

The La Rochelle head coach has established himself as a respected leader in European rugby. O’Gara has previously expressed interest in the England role, but he has acknowledged the mental leap required to take on such a high-profile position.

Family considerations and alignment with England's rugby leadership would be factors in his decision.

Michael Cheika – 5/1

An experienced international coach with stints leading Australia and Argentina, Michael Cheika brings tactical insight and adaptability.

His broad international background would offer England a fresh perspective from outside the English rugby system.

Stuart Lancaster – 2/1

Currently the frontrunner, Lancaster's successful period with Leinster has boosted his profile since his last tenure as England head coach.

The Racing boss has expressed interest in coaching England again, although he's also open to opportunities in the southern hemisphere. Lancaster's RFU experience makes him a familiar and appealing choice for the role.

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