Steve Borthwick credited England’s leadership group for the 33–19 defeat of New Zealand, a 10th straight win and their first home success against the All Blacks in 12 years.
England came from 12–0 down inside 18 minutes to claim the standout result of Borthwick’s tenure, as they wrestled control of a match they had repeatedly let slip in recent years.
The England head coach nodded to the influence of England’s non-matchday players during the week, describing the win as another step for a progressing side.
Borthwick said: “They were so composed through that period.”
Embed from Getty ImagesSteve Borthwick credited England’s leadership group for the 33–19 defeat of New Zealand, a 10th straight win and their first home success against the All Blacks in 12 years.
England came from 12–0 down inside 18 minutes to claim the standout result of Borthwick’s tenure, as they wrestled control of a match they had repeatedly let slip in recent years.
England’s turnaround began through Ollie Lawrence’s try and two George Ford (above) drop-goals before Sam Underhill, Fraser Dingwall and Tom Roebuck completed the scoring in a performance Borthwick described as composed and controlled.
The England head coach nodded to the influence of England’s non-matchday players during the week, describing the monumental win as just another step for a progressing side.
Borthwick said: “They were so composed through that period.
“The team has a lot of belief in the preparation, the plan, the ability within the team.”
Borthwick brushed off suggestions that the win justified him after last year’s scrutiny, saying he hadn’t seen the criticism and reiterated that expectation comes with the England job.
The England head coach singled out his senior figures for managing the tightest phases, with Ford, Jamie George, Maro Itoje, Ben Earl and Tom Curry all praised for steadying the team as the game shifted in England’s favour.
He said: “I’m delighted for the players, and especially the supporters.
“It’s been a long time since England beat New Zealand here.”
The lock underlined the importance of England’s leadership spine, saying it helped close out a fixture that had repeatedly turned against them last year.
He credited the wider squad for their intensity in training, describing the non-23’s contribution as “fantastic” in shaping England’s preparation.
Borthwick also pointed to England’s growing tactical maturity, emphasising their ability to tighten control in decisive moments rather than allowing momentum to slip away late.
A win over Argentina this Sunday would give England a flawless autumn campaign and add weight to the growing authority they have begun to exert under Borthwick.
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