Social media users responded strongly to England’s 29–20 loss to South Africa at Allianz Stadium, as Steve Borthwick’s team suffered their fifth straight defeat.
For the men in white, another Saturday means another heartbreaking late collapse.
Despite the Boks’ subpar performance, the internet discussion on X was dominated by critiques of England’s coaching and strategy.
Admittedly, England got off to a strong start in the game. With a flash of ingenuity, the great Marcus Smith set up an early try for Ollie Sleightholme, leaving the Springboks reeling.
However, Borthwick suffered his third loss in the Autumn Nations Series thanks to two tries from Cheslin Kolbe and one from Grant Williams.
“This camp is really disappointed,” Borthwick told TNT following the game. We’re all really frustrated by it. Every England supporter will be really irritated.
Although England has already defeated the Wallabies, the Springboks, and the All Blacks, supporters are growing impatient with a side that appears unable to cross the finish line, as final-quarter collapses have become all too often.
On X, Borthwick’s obvious tactical incompetence drew criticism, and many supporters now publicly doubt his capacity to lead England.
“Steve Borthwick is the most unconvincing person ever,” one user commented. It makes sense why you don’t win if that’s your coach. His motivation is comparable to that of a traffic cone. “Sorry, but I don’t think Borthwick is the coach to take this group forward,” another person said. Dead wood, too many comfy players, and a failure to utilise the available potential.
Supporters also criticised the coaching staff, pointing to England’s lack of game-time flexibility. Five straight losses, one commentator wrote. We would want Eddie Jones’ blood if he were in command. It’s time to fire Borthwick and his entire coaching staff. Very bad.
Marcus Smith received a lot of recognition for his impressive start to the game, even though they lost. “Marcus Smith is having one hell of a game,” one fan said. In light of that, I completely anticipate Borthwick to provide another superb coaching performance and replace him at minute fifty-five.
Others cited Smith’s recent performance as cause for optimism, with one user writing: “I would rather watch Borthwick’s England than Eddie Jones’s, regardless of the run of losses.” Over the past three weeks, Marcus Smith has been outstanding. I hope that going forward, England will have more faith in him.
There were differing views on England’s overall development, with some supporters highlighting the team’s inexperience and unresolved problems in important positions.
The distance to England is short. Not having a good tighthead,” one admirer commented. Alex Mitchell is also missed. However, when Alex Walters and Felix Jones left, I’m still not sure about Borthwick and that something is wrong with the camp.
Others adopted a more lenient approach, pointing to England’s structural difficulties and the calibre of the opposition. The seventh-best squad in the world lost to the greatest by nine points, according to one fan’s comment. I’ll accept that. It literally refers to depth of power. Borthwick is not to blame for that.
As they go ready to play Eddie Jones’ Japan the following weekend, England has one more chance to salvage their autumn season after the loss. Although an autumn whitewash will be avoided with a likely victory over the Brave Blossom, who have never defeated England, there are still unanswered doubts about when Borthwick’s England will begin to perform.
