England endured a disappointing autumn, winning only one of their four games (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
Steve Borthwick is setting the bar high for his bench players as he aims to mould England into a team that can clinch victory in tight situations during the forthcoming Six Nations.
After a lacklustre 2024, which saw England suffer narrow defeats to France and Australia, and three losses to New Zealand, resulting in just five wins from 12 Tests, Borthwick faces mounting pressure as they head into their first match against Ireland in Dublin on February 1.
The head coach has been strategising to ensure his squad finishes strong in the last quarter of the game. With England’s substitutes contributing little during an underwhelming autumn, Borthwick is looking for a significant step up from them in the Six Nations.
“Clearly the message is that we’re doing a lot of things really well because we’re playing against very good teams and getting into winning positions,” Borthwick remarked.
“So the challenge I give to this team is to start the games even faster and play even harder through that first part. And the next part is the impact we have from the bench.
Steve Borthwick wants greater impact from England’s bench in the Six Nations (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
“I’ll be challenging the players about that impact that each of them brings to add to the intensity of the game at whatever time they enter the game.”
Additionally, Borthwick is encouraging his players to be daring in the final moments of the game by seizing opportunities to pass, having noticed a reluctance to opt for the more audacious choice last year.
Marcus Smith, who was the first-choice fly-half for 2024, is now facing stiff competition from Fin Smith and may be utilised as a full-back where his skills in broken play shine.
Despite Smith’s height of 5ft 9ins being seen as a disadvantage for the position, Borthwick believes his running abilities could prove invaluable later in games.
“When the game opens up and is more unstructured, that’s where a player of Marcus’ strength can really take advantage of the space when there is fatigue in players’ legs,” he stated.
Freddie Steward is an option on the wing and at full-back against Ireland (Image: PA Archive/PA Images)
With George Furbank out due to a broken arm, Freddie Stewart is tipped to take over full-back duties, but his aerial prowess also makes him a viable option on the wing.
“It’s something I would consider, especially in the contestable game,” Borthwick said. “Freddie’s carrying work has been very good.
“He was challenged a good period ago to develop pace and he’s gone away and worked at that. He’s got faster and improved his pace, so I think Fred on the wing is certainly a possibility.
“You start looking at Marcus and where he starts, his versatility, Freddie’s versatility, Elliot Daley’s versatility. I like players who have got the ability to move positions.”