Steve Borthwick has come under-fire for England’s tactics. (Image: Getty)
might have reignited their title challenge with wins over France and – but not everyone is satisfied. Steve Borthwick’s side came through last Saturday’s Calcutta Cup clash , with the Scots also guilty of wasting a series of attacking positions.
The contrast in style between the sides was telling, with England opting to frequently kick out of hand while their visitors favoured an attack-minded game. The Red Roses kicked 36 times during the clash, making a total gain of 861 metres.
While it often made for turgid viewing, Borthwick’s men will argue the ends justified the means as they lie four points off leaders Ireland ahead of a home clash with Italy on Sunday.
However, former and No.10 Dan Biggar has now urged Borthwick to change his tactics, accusing him of stifling the play of half-backs Alex Mitchell and Fin Smith. He also argued that criticism from supporters shouldn’t be aimed at the players themselves.
“The fact that England supporters booed Alex Mitchell’s box-kicking against Scotland didn’t reflect on him, but it summed up the fans’ frustration at the team’s tactics,” he told the . “If I’m honest, the performance produced wasn’t brilliant viewing. England kicked the leather off the ball.
“There is no doubt in my mind that this England team is far better with ball in hand than they showed in round three. I don’t think a kick-dominated approach suits England’s players because there are so many brilliant attacking runners in their side.”
Dan Biggar has hit out at Steve Borthwick. (Image: Getty)
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Biggar played alongside Mitchell at Northampton for four years before leaving for Toulon in 2022. The 35-year-old believes the scrum-half will have been deflated by having his own game suppressed.
“Knowing ‘Mitch’ as I do, I think he’ll be a bit frustrated,” he added. “He’s a team player so will carry out Borthwick’s orders. It’s the same with Fin Smith at No 10.
“We can see more from both players, as well as the England back-line as a whole, in the next two weeks, and I’m sure we will. I’d be amazed if England continue with so much kicking.”
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The ex-Osprey did concede that Borthwick had at least bucked the trend of England losing close encounters. Since the opening defeat to Ireland, their two successive wins have both come by just a single point.
After hosting the Azzurri on Sunday, England then goes to Cardiff to face Biggar’s former side on March 15. Their hopes of a first Six Nations title seemingly hinge on France doing them a favour in Dublin this weekend, though.