England players back Borthwick '100 per cent' despite turgid Six Nations / Photo: FRANCK FIFE - AFP
England players back Borthwick '100 per cent' despite turgid Six Nations
England ended a sluggish Six Nations campaign with a thrilling 48-46 loss to champions France in Paris after a record-breaking campaign, for the wrong reasons.
But flanker Sam Underhill insisted that the squad fully supports Steve Borthwick despite doubts lingering over the head coach.
Borthwick's side finished fifth in the table, after claiming just one win for the first ever time in the Six Nations.
They suffered a maiden defeat to Italy and succumbed to their heaviest ever home loss against Ireland.
At the beginning of the tournament, the usually reserved Borthwick publicly stated his aim of reaching the French capital with the clean sweep of a Grand Slam still on the line –- which was far from the case.
"One hundred per cent we back him," Underhill told reporters. "You have to. That's part of the game.
"You're either all in, or you're not, you know.
"There are always external opinions, but ultimately the only people in the room are the coaches and the players," the 29-year-old Bath back-rower added.
Coming into the Six Nations, England had won 11 straight Tests, and added a 12th victory to their run by hammering Wales on the opening weekend of the competition.
Then came four straight losses with Borthwick failing to settle on key positional combinations like fly-half with veteran George Ford replaced by the up-and-coming Fin Smith.
England's attack seemed disjointed at times, highlighted by the inability to find a crucial score at the end of the Italy game, and discipline has also been an issue.
American-born Underhill was one of three England players to be shown costly yellow cards during the defeats to Italy and France.
"Ultimately, the players are the guys that have to go out there (and) put a performance out there on the weekend," Underhill said.
"There are always going to be things you want to change or do differently.
"No one's ever played a perfect game before, but for us as players, you want to play and get better.
"You want clarity from the coaches. I think you get that."
Next for Borthwick's outfit is a daunting trip to world champions South Africa on July 4.
England have only won once away to the Springboks this century.
"It will be a massive challenge and a massive opportunity as well," Underhill said.
"You always want to be playing against the best and that's a testament to the Springboks.
"They have set an incredibly high bar as a team."
J.Fletcher--NG
