Ambition is rarely a word used to describe this incarnation of England’s rugby team. Steve Borthwick’s men were criticised in 2023 because they packed ambition in and replaced it with grinding, error-free rugby, and ultimately successful pragmatism.
In 2025, they shifted away from that approach which won matches but few fans and decided success could come from an attacking style.
Wins against Argentina, Australia, and New Zealand followed. But that run dramatically hit the buffers during the Six Nations when England lost to everyone bar Wales. On Saturday, they weren’t ever in the match as South Africa galloped to an early 17-0 lead.
They handed England some hope towards the end of the first half but it was ultimately forlorn as the world champions cruised to a 45-21 victory.
Now England face another reckoning as Borthwick, who clung to power in a post-Six Nations review, looks to be on the hot seat once more.
