Steve Borthwick puts positive spin on disappointing autumn for England

England head coach Steve Borthwick has said that he has “seen growth” in his side this month after they registered their first win of their Autumn Nations Series campaign against Japan on Sunday in their final match of the year.

While both Borthwick and his England captain Jamie George described the campaign as “one of frustration,” the pair saw positive signs in the way England played in the 59-14 victory.

The coach singled out the way that England have played with the ball as a sign of growth over the past four weeks, saying he wants his team to be “brave with the ball”.

George also pinpointed the manner in which his side “fronted up” in three narrow losses to the All Blacks, Australia and South Africa as another positive.

Though England were able to finish their year on a high, ending their five-match losing run, the pair could not hide their disappointment at how the past month has unfolded.

Fixture

Internationals

England

59 - 14

Full-time

Japan

All Stats and Data

“Reflecting on it, the obvious overriding feeling will be one of frustration to have come so close to get results but not actually be able to convert them, I think that will be one aspect,” Borthwick said

“The other aspect would be real positivity around some of the aspects we’ve seen the team play. I want them to be brave with the ball, I want them to play fast. I think we’ve seen growth in that area over the last four weeks.”

George added: “I’d echo that. Fundamentally we’re frustrated with the results. As with everything you can break them down in isolation each game and I think there are different things we can learn from each game. But I’m genuinely very proud of the way the boys fronted up to each opportunity.

“When we reflect, the Australia game in particular will be one we’re very frustrated with in particular because it was a game that we were very poor in and if didn’t look like us. But I was really pleased with the way we fronted up last week against South Africa and pushed them close and then we were able to get over the line this week. The quality of the performance and the way we went about it were very impressive.”

Analysing the victory over Eddie Jones’ Brave Blossoms, Borthwick said that their performance was the “identity they’re trying to build as a team,” as the hosts racked up nine tries in a variety of ways.

“I’m really pleased with the way the players approached the game and the way they kept their discipline to play the way we want to play,” Borthwick added.

“You can see the identity they’re trying to build as a team, one that moves the ball and can score in different ways. Some of the tries were exceptional. Over the past four weeks, we’ve scored some really outstanding tries. With the skill level that’s in the group, I’m really pleased they took it onto the grass today.”