RFU have already made Final Call on Sacking England Boss Steve Borthwick

Yesterday at 04:57 PM

RUCK sources have revealed that, despite England's slump, the RFU isn't planning to cut ties with Steve Borthwick anytime soon.

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England's nightmare run—FIVE straight losses—hit a low point with a bruising defeat to reigning champions South Africa last Saturday. But the 45-year-old coach still has the full backing of the RFU, which isn't keen to shake things up for now.

Jamie George: Sticking with the Boss

Borthwick isn't just surviving on RFU faith; senior England players are backing him, too. Jamie George even went on record to say Borthwick is still the right man for the job.

Locked In Until 2027

Borthwick's five-year deal, inked in late 2022, keeps him in the hot seat until 2027. That contract gives him some security and room to maneuver as he works to reverse England's fortunes.

When asked if the RFU had offered him any guarantees about his position, Borthwick kept his cards close to his chest: "I'm not going to be talking about private conversations here. What's actually more important is the feeling I get.”

A Coach Under Pressure

"The feeling I get from the RFU is one of absolute support and absolute belief that this team is going in the right direction," he added. Borthwick acknowledged the current frustrations but remains confident: "We've put ourselves in a position to win the games but not converted those positions. These are challenging days right now and it's painful.

"We will work through this and we will ensure that we are a better team coming out of it."

Despite the mounting pressure, Borthwick believes in his squad: "I'm very confident that we are on the right path and I'm very confident that I'm working with a great group of coaches and players. We aim to put in a better performance against Japan when we're back here next Sunday."

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

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

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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.

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