So what is Steve Borthwick building? | Analysis | Six Nations 2024

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It's been an interesting Six Nations so far for England. Two tight wins followed by a brilliant twenty minutes that fell away into a disappointing final result. So, with that game against Scotland fresh in the memory, what is Steve Borthwick trying to build with England and how long might it take to come together?
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[@howardhorner226]

...let me guess, is he building a website with Squarespace?

[@randyschwaggins]

There is more irony in your statement than the obvious reference to the video sponsor! 😂

[@tanielatuiqali3745]

Fair play 😂😂

[@rosscobosco]

It really is the best

[@michelefavaretto627]

Ahahahahahahahahahahah!!!

[@victordastile5204]

😂😂😂😂

[@StanWilks]

Only two minutes in but I already wanted to say thank you for speaking so positively about England and what we can look forward to as fans. Excellent parity on your part, Squidge. All the best for you and Wales for the rest of the Six Nations!

[@championthewonderhorse9733]

Except a couple of years ago Squidge posted that Eddie Jones was building a winning strategy a year out from the 2023 RWC...

[@MiniMatthew]

Eddie was but got sacked.

[@paulcostello1807]

Eddie was building a new contract somewhere else 😂😂. Eddie couldn't see the wood the trees he used that many players he had no clear philosophy

[@championthewonderhorse9733]

@@MiniMatthew Eddie built nothing but discord and disharmony after 2019.

[@MACCA0405]

@@MiniMatthew then managed to make Australia worse after Rennie was dipping well. Off to Japan to drag them down. Oropendola Borewick gets the Ireland job to give the rest of the teams a chance.

[@Louis-ir5sy]

Clicked on the notification faster than the English media gave up on Borthwick

[@henrymilleruk100]

The 2025 Catt Attack conspiracy is absolutely my favourite bit of fun that’s come up this six nations. It feels so right….that it probably won’t happen. But my god I can dream. Such a brutal year of fixtures for a tricky defence and personnel reset

[@sammerrell2259]

Really wish more people would watch this type of analysis and not throw their toys out the pram when England don’t smash every team 50-0. Top analysis as always

[@adamdickinson2894]

That's as dumb a comment as the (straw) fans you're supposedly outing. Most England fans aren't demanding a 50-0 win, we just want to enjoy watching our team. That's all. Really, isn't that all any fan wants? Yet cos it's big bad England then we're the only country where voicing that unhappiness is apparently a crime. And there's only been a handful of games in the 2020s that have been enjoyable

[@sammerrell2259]

@@adamdickinson2894 Completely agree that it’s fine to voice unhappiness, especially after games like against Scotland where we showed early on what the team is capable of. My point is a fair few England fans go straight to Borthwick out way too quickly. If analysis like this was more widely viewed there would be far less unrest and more unity which would surely instil confidence in borthwick and the players.

[@DM-rp9ik]

This is grade A bollix

[@chrisp4170]

With the greatest of respect, we aren't complaining that England aren't winning 50-0. We are complaining that on occasions, England's players don't look like they've been introduced to their teammates before kicking off.

[@clairegresswell]

God, I love your videos, not due to the analysis, data, humour & so forth (though it's all of an excellent, top-notch standard), but even after 30+ years of loving, participating in & watching this great sport - I LEARN SO MUCH!! I'm a little behind, so it's quite interesting viewing this given the result at the weekend (I'm realistic in not only my expectations but England's progess), but am at least heartend by your analysis aligning with my own thoughts. Thank you, chaps 😊

[@darren806]

I've been thinking England feel a lot like Ireland's first year or two under Farrell, pretty underwhelming but you can see the little shoots of what might come. Once England click they'll be competing for 6 Nations again

[@MrBizteck]

England has SUCH a deep pool of players. They are never uncompetitive for very long.

[@championthewonderhorse9733]

@@MrBizteck Right.... so deep that England keep desperately selecting an over the hill and perma-crocked Tuilagi, that it selected Farrell at 12 for 50% of his caps, that it selects a centre on the wing and on and on...

[@davidwalker2402]

Nah first couple of years under Farrell Ireland played well and had no problem beating England , they made progress and you could see what they were doing. That’s a bad comparison because its wrong and England have been in transition for 5 years now , there problem is coach.

[@somanytakennames]

@@davidwalker2402 “Ireland had no problem beating England” Uhh, England beat Ireland the first two times they faced off with Farrell in charge. Has Borthwick been in charge for 5 years?

[@iansimcox]

Ireland haven't lost 3 games in a Six Nations since 2013. If England lose their next two they will have done that 4 tournaments in a row. We are way behind Ireland when Farrell took over

[@chaoticspear]

Squidge, wonderful analysis as always. Thank you for going into detail on so many mad areas of the game.

[@simoncooper5101]

Absolutely brilliant analysis as usual squidge, thank you. I had similar feelings about englands journey so far but you bring it alive so clearly with much more thought and detail. Keep at it!

[@championthewonderhorse9733]

4:20 sums up all that is wrong with England. Had that been the All Blacks, Ireland etc there would have been someone on Mitchell's shoulder. As it is, Mitchell makes a break and there is no-one in support. There never is. Happens to Marcus Smith all the time - breaks the line and has no-one to offload to. In a warm up game he broke the line and had to slow to an amble to allow someone to catch up in support. England never seem to coach close support running. Compare it to the All Blacks who always have someone on the runner's shoulder.

[@Formakiwi]

You can coach it all you like, but if your squad are all carrying 10kg of extra gym muscle it´s a damn sight harder for them to keep up with that kind of pace. English rugby´s emphasis on size and bulk is to the detriment of the more athletic side of the game.

[@jakemiddleton5266]

@@Formakiwi 100%. England had the heaviest back row last 6 nations, the heaviest at the World Cup, and the heaviest at this 6 nations. You cannot have all that bulk, and then have heavy scrum experts like Marler and Cole on as well. Mercer and Dombrandt are two more mobile 8s who both link well with backs, yet only Dombrandt is in the squad, and hasn't made a 23 once. The desire to have lots of players who can punch through the middle is overbalanced, allowing defences to target the very few players who will actually attack space in the backs. And when they do occasionally punch through, no-one is prepared as it usually doesn't work! Speaking of the backs, Marcus should be starter (sadly he was injured), but Finn should have started instead. Those are the two battling for the shirt for the next World Cup, they need the experience.

[@hafidkouloun6405]

You're right! Plus they are coached in a certain manner that inhibits going off the script. Always that godamn gameplan.

[@chrisp4170]

@Formakiwi South Africa seem to manage that issue quite well..

[@davidpechey853]

Love the muscle bound theory, and obviously none of the other nations who can support a break use weights. Clearly the England players lose a lot of muscle when they’re playing for their clubs and can do this. Or is it the restrictive coaching we’ve had for way too long whereby players go where they’ve been told to go rather than reacting to what’s in front of them?

[@VulgarHumanist]

Terrific, Squidge. Always learn a lot.

[@charlottescott7150]

Thank you Robbie and Will- looking forward to the next one.

[@sozilla]

Cheers Squidge! As always, you are able to explain brilliantly, what I think im noticing. Good luck to you and Wales. Hopefully, their rebuild comes on well

[@Pebble3007]

It was fascinating to hear from Johnny May, how little time England practice attack, under both Jones and Borthwick. Is this typical? It was suggested that Defence was first, then set piece and finally attack.

[@knoll9812]

Those need to be sorted before attack if you want to win games. Otherwise you may score a few entertaining trys before losing the game

[@polarbearfelly]

Cheers squidge. A great analysis once again!

[@andycrees1868]

Insightful, independent views and original approach as ever. Love your offerings Squidge crew!

[@garfieldbraithwaite8590]

Best rugby content on the platform, thanks. Although I do remember that you tipped Eddie Jones’ England to win the World Cup

[@quentinquentin6752]

Excellent vid!! Ireland fan here but love your analysis 😊

[@WolfgangCola]

Squidge & Bro, just wanted to say your videos and analysis are enthralling. You’ve rekindled my love of rugby, so thank you. It’s a pleasure to watch your frenetic style of commentary. Take care.

[@dwillis1]

Great comment, and wonderful to see some positive people in the chats.

[@ParagonBlack]

Thanks for brilliant analysis

[@chewieire8646]

I am so happy to have the podcast back, it made my week when I saw it pop up.

[@callumraza5046]

As a SH fan, England are the only team in the NH that can compete with us when it really matters

[@thomashogan1985]

Love your videos squidge

[@michaelearley1398]

Brilliant analysis

[@smm2165]

3:39 but the same is true for every other team (prepping for world cup, with different time name for 6N so they've got less prep). England don't have any special excuse for being disjointed or lack of cohesion. The FW try is also just one lad spotting space and using it. Great for him. But also completely exceptional because no one else Borthwick picks does this (yet... Maybe).

[@Hamishmcbeth]

Great work as always! Thank you for bringing clarity and optimism to what I perceived to be a complete shambles lacking any world class quality from england on saturday (unlike scotland) 😂

[@BS2Dos]

This week’s podcast offerings were surprisingly upbeat and more or less positive about England’s direction under Borthwick and Squidge’s thoughts here seem to echo that sentiment inasmuch that England remain a work-in-progress with improvements coming incrementally, perhaps at a percentage point or two per game. I do like the subtle suggestion that Borthwick has probably put a lot of preparation into the next two games. Win one of either and suddenly, England’s 6N campaign takes on a different complexion. Whatever the result, I think England will give Ireland their toughest game of the tournament to date. 👍👍

[@Porkchop259]

I hope you are correct and I tip my hat too your belief and patience in Borthwick, but as one who strongly believes the RFU picking Borthwick over Robertson will be the biggest mistake the RFU have made in the past twenty years ( and holy hell, that is saying something), I will be watching the next two matches from behind the couch with my tin hat on.

[@BS2Dos]

@@Porkchop259Yeah, it seems the jury is still out regarding Borthwick. I say stick with him now. The revolving door approach to managerial appointments never seems to pay off. Fans need to be a bit more patient.

[@charliepountney1213]

Phenomenal video thanks

[@Replika54]

I think you've got most of that correct. I think if Quins had given CCS more time you'd see him filling in some gaps here from a start. I think Marcus is also a big missing feature. Fast and creative, he changes the dimensions of the defence and attack.

[@darthmong7196]

The Furbank try was very similar to the lead-up to Tuilagi's try vs NZ in 2019. On that occasion Ford had Mako Vunipola outside of him.

[@jormundgandr88]

Can you please do a video on Joe Schmidt and what he could/may bring to The Wallabies

[@flintoff24]

You continue your generosity to an English side that much of the English have thrown their hands up in despair. I always slightly wonder if this is an elaborate long-term double bluff to ensure Welsh dominance?!

[@wjhd6823]

That's exactly what it is. A lot of the Welsh do it. Big up England so that when Wales inevitably beat them, it seems an even bigger achievement

[@Formakiwi]

Nope. Trying to appeal to a wider subscriber base. Prosaic I know, but understandable.

[@attackpatterndelta8949]

​@@wjhd6823inevitably beat them? They've lost to England in their last 3 Six Nations fixtures.

[@paulholmes1981]

UKIP Slogan !🤣 Really enjoying the vids guys, terrific work.

[@CinaedmacAilpin1874]

Class analysis, as always. Loved the "soon his website will have more English stuff than the whole British Museum" comment 😂

[@gunkspirit]

that squarespace ad was such a good bit, had me properly giggling

[@FartPanther]

Great stuff squidge and co

[@FartPanther]

*squidge and bro!😂

[@jonhillier1]

Great stuff

[@danraine]

Intuitively feels like on the verge of something, but nice that you were able to articulate this

[@stephenreeds3632]

Squidge gives the best unbiased analysis by far.

[@dietcab-kem6142]

Great video

[@sumboi2321]

I'm not an England fan, but if I was then I would be pretty excited about what's around the corner. They're still a huge work in progress, but their defence is solid and if they sort out their attack, then the rest should fall into place.

[@lewiswilliams5967]

Is it? Didn't Scotland just score 30?

[@lesskeels3417]

Not under Borthwick. Sorry, no hard feelings.

[@johnbobby1092]

Brilliant squidge!!!

[@jimmymc1234]

Excellent analysis though lads! Can we agree that we drop Elliot daily for Waboso and Furbank for steward?

[@DominicHill]

I wonder what Robbie and his viewers think about England needing to be more consistent with selection for the attack to 'click'. Tindall and May made a big deal out of this on the GBR pod. If England want to play an Ireland style attack, where players are expected to know not only their own roles, but those of every other player (NFL style), consistent selection would surely accelerate the process of improvement in attack.

[@BirrDetonator1989]

Farrell used a LOT of players while putting that system together. I don't believe England can do the same because most of Irelands team come from one club and the rest from 3 others with all 4 playing fairly similar styles. There's definitely a way for England to be successful but the Ireland system isn't it.

[@limbothytimothy]

I do wonder if we might have eked out a win in that scotland game if we had Dingwall, Slade, and Furbank in the side, with Lawrence coming off the bench, keeping the combinations alive.

[@knoll9812]

​@@BirrDetonator1989unless they adopt the Irish system wholesale. The players are centrally funded and teams are feeders for national team

[@BirrDetonator1989]

@@knoll9812 would you think it's possible in England with the amount of professional teams there? We only have 4 so I believe that's the only way it works. More teams, more moving parts, more hassle.

[@AndrewMcConnell-if6fq]

Your analysis of the game, I think, as a retired teacher, the most perceptive on KZbin. Whether it's just me I don't know, but much of your analysis is lost because of your too-hurried delivery. Bearing in mind the number of verbose discussions that pass for analysis on rugby YT channels, it may be worth slowing down and having a longer video. Just a thought!

[@canoler9117]

Delightful stuff as always, England will definitely be a key player in the next three 6N. Can’t wait for the France - Italy video (in a masochistic way)

[@hankb]

lovely vid

[@burtonator669]

Interested to see what you’re take on the new pacific competition will mean for other “tier 2” nations

[@chrisp4170]

Interesting analysis. When will they be recruiting a passing and catching coach?

[@jamesnewby6507]

This video is EPIC 😍

[@luke.hutchinson]

Let’s be patience. We’re in the Borthwick era which will take time. Attack may still not come for another year or two. Once it does England will have some solid foundations in place and we’ll look back on this time as very formative.

[@thomasmyers2288]

Aged pretty well!

[@Burninglash]

Love this analysis. 6our observations worry me as a South African. I agree with you the England is the country in the north withnthecresources to adopt the boks defensive structures in full. Vok defense with Irish attack will be really scary combo if they can.pull.it off.

[@rockethockett6227]

7:46 RARE HERTFORDSHIRE REFERENCE, WE MADE IT GUYS!!!!!!

[@charlottescott7150]

and my old home town of Ipswich made it in too! As difficult to say as it is to spell

[@uncle_monty]

Interesting stuff. Yes, as an England fan I felt oddly quite positive after the Scotland game despite the loss. Some (more) patience required one feels...

[@lewiswilliams5967]

If England are building. Why is Daly on the wing or even in the squad?

[@Camerooonify]

Ive said it for ages.. Wigglesworth cant coach our attack at this level. We need a world class attack coach.

[@Damomasts]

Don't you think he'd have more success if he had the same players each week?! There isn't a coach in the world that could produce the goods with this merry go round of a dumpster fire selection policy. Its madness.

[@lesskeels3417]

@@Damomasts No. Borthwick apparently only knows the one style of play, punt, kick, chase and run, that went out years ago. Crikey, do you see the AB's, France or the Saffies play this way nowadays? No, they've all moved on. And if/when Ireland thrash England at Twickenham yet again soon, then you'll soon see why. Your reasoning also takes no account of injuries/unavailability of personnel, and the like. You need good reinforcements, Borthwick doesn't even have that!! And what he has got, he doesn't even make use of!!

[@Damomasts]

@lesskeels3417 that's my point, selection is all over the place regardless of injuries. The best players aren't being used.

[@lesskeels3417]

@@Damomasts OK. There's the reason why I'm saying that Borthwick is a square peg in a round hole, Wigglesworth isn't much better. A mediocre trainer/coach will only get mediocre results against mediocre opposition. Sorry. I've played the game at full-back and also won a few cups/medals here and there, so I speak from previous experience. When and if England get a first-class trainer/coach, THEN the results will come. I've already earmarked at least three, possibly four, that fit the bill, it's up to the powers-that-be if they want to make the approach, but as I've already mentioned the Saffies, I'll say that one of those hails from that particular piece of rugby territory.

[@paulmulryne8405]

As an England fan, the Feyi Waboso roast was hilarious 😂 all too true!

[@EugeneRimmer]

Would have been nice to have heard analysis of both sides of this game rather than just the English, especially with all the preview talk of how England was trying to take control of the kicking game and yet Scotland still managed to shut this down quite well. As always love the content, just would have been nice for the preview to follow-up on the talk from the preview.

[@henryburton6529]

Squidge I think you are the ONLY welshman (scot or irishman) Ive ever listened to who gives England fair analysis. I know its not in your blood to do so - so a massive thank you from me. I love your channel.

[@henryburton6529]

The Feyi Waboso picture in Welsh under 18's kit is hilarious too

[@MrPoepope]

‘Favourite English things: xenophobia against Scottish wingers’ 😂 at 8:02 brilliant!

[@shaneglackin]

"Hiding in Plain White" was *right there*...

[@Jackthompson01]

20:25 missed an opportunity for "poles"

[@knoll9812]

Good to see proper analysis that doesn't write England off

[@jakerankin7192]

Fraser Dingwall? Now that’s a name that rings a bell

[@andrewharris1837]

A slow moving bus?😮

[@lyonman1988]

Love the England ones 😊

[@mikefahey3878]

The video is worth the screenshot of the tweets alone from someone who may or may not be Gandy Oode

[@user-jq7yo1xb2n]

England’s problem is inside centre and it has been for a long time. It was never addressed under Jones who very often played Farrell at inside centre. So, another inside centre was not developed. Nick Tompkins not being selected was an almighty clanger which still haunts us to this day. I wish we had managed to claim Cameron Redpath too. All this has been exacerbated by the lack of English inside centres in the Premiership. I really don’t believe the answer is to pick outside centres at twelve, these are very different roles. For now, we need to pick the few English players who play at inside centre regularly, Fraser Dingwall, Max Ojomoh and in time Olly Hartley. I wonder how different the result would have been at Murrayfield if Nick Tompkins had been playing twelve for England.

[@kpearseis]

Mike Catt is a good look but its probably going to take most of this world cup schedule until it clicks and its not really the fault of the coaching team or the players. Goodman at Leinster (replaceing Catt for Ireland) has been coaching these systems for so long now that its how the schools teams play.

[@stuartmackenzie2429]

You got me with Keith Robertson's rarely seen and glorious try from 1985, you lost me by calling England the 'World's 3rd best team' (They finished 3rd in the World Cup, it's NOT the same thing!) but you won me back subsequently. Thanks! Though arguing that England were great in the first 20 minutes at Murrayfield apart from dropping the ball 6 times is shades of the old 'operation a success but the patient died' line of thinking.

[@paulopie1541]

And then they put it all together against Ireland. Well done, Squidge. Now what about the Welsh wooden spoon?

[@timyoung170]

Love your stuff, but I have to take issue with you referring to Lieutenant Furbank - for me he is very much more a Wing Commander.

[@elliotquimbrot696]

anybody else watching this after the england win over ireland?

[@MatthewMcHashtag]

He's building a single course brick fence 6ft high

[@knoll9812]

Good analysis England need to control the game as this has been missing.

[@jimmyrobertson99]

I love it, England looking to build a South African style defence (coached by an Irishman) and an Irish style attack (coached by a South African).

[@joeboonmusic4004]

And we're all playing a game created by Englishmen.

[@BipolarPrincesss]

Absolutely had to come back and watch again after the Ireland game, wtf Squidge stop predicting the future and get a job with the RFU already please.

[@Daniboi971]

A team that can only beat teams ranked below them and only score more tries than their opposition twice in fifteen tests?

[@jamieadams178]

Borthwick gets more time with his players than Townsend does, so not sure that their lack of attacking plans can be blamed on short prep compared to the World Cup?

[@1redjoe0]

"mens red roses" might be the best phrase in the whole video

[@mitchwheeler8880]

God save the squidge!

[@jdilla8267]

Duhan vdm doesn't wear a mouthguard, absolutely crazy

[@samnichols4361]

Meh he's a winger. Much like all of them he's normally standing about 30 ft away from the action looking in the mirror, doing his hair etc.

[@WetSands]

Borthwick is only a year into his 20 year project to make England a force in world rugby again. Give him time.

[@charlietownend9515]

good

[@mbloy613]

Vindicated!

[@nicktoeman]

Great analysis. Just wish Mr Squidge wouldn't speak so fast!

[@joefair1137]

8:06 IPSWICH MENTIONED WTF is a city 🔵⚪️🔵⚪️🚜🚜🚜🚜🚜🟦⬜️🟦⬜️

[@Gaelic-Rex]

I hope Andy Farrell watches this ace analysis

[@iteamy]

Hit the play button faster than Duhan hit the gas on his second try at Murrayfield

[@rossbroomfield5199]

I genuinely get the feeling my every time Time. a top 10 international team in the world realises that at the moment there not as good as they used to be (relatively speaking) they just pull out the “we’re rebuilding”. Wales have been rebuilding for the past 5 years, England the past 3/4 years, Ireland to be fair did rebuild, Scotland have pulled out that excuse in recent times, Italy are just building

[@brianedwards3823]

A house of cards

[@ben4216]

A Conservatory?

[@Mopheadlee]

Okay fine his argument is good

[@user-ue4cf7fy6y]

I think England have been rebuilding for quite a few years now. If they are trying to play in a different style, why continue with so many old faces. Care, Ford, Marler, Cole etc... selection should favour players suited to develop in this new style surely?

[@alanfox6454]

Borthwick playing style is archaic, works at club level but international stage hes being left behind. England have the biggest pool of players to select and hes still choosing players who are hanging on, if a team is in transition you have to let these lads go and rebuild, otherwise you are just mending over the cracks for short term. I understand Borthwick is in a high pressure cooker to get results in his role as England should expect results so it feels his team selection is exactly that. Can see him getting results here and there but he wont be consistent until he takes the step in making wholesale changes to the team in order to make a transition unlike his style of little by little.

[@alanfox6454]

@@Krampus5164 I totally agree that quantity does not equal quality. But the RFU themselves have to look at whats going wrong and not keep brushing under the carpet. The likes of Dan Cole, Elliot Daly, Tuilagi and even more are well past there best days and in truth are holding a Jersey from a player that needs game time to get England through this transition quicker but again like I said ,high pressure job for Borthwick and needs results to hold his job, so hes going with a host of tried and trusted and just get over the line without evolving the English game and he can't do a Gatland transition because he has the reputation and has done everything to allow him and not get the sack IMO.

[@NotApplicable678]

A cure for insomnia. Oh and how to get used to losing

[@mobsquad8500]

it is “PERFORM other players rolls”…It’s is a very subtle difference and will provide exponential gains. the pack needs to develop greater skills…the pack is great at their primary jobs, I think they are world class, and that’s where it stops. To expand “the game”, they need to expand “their game”.

[@lirmeaney6255]

I’ve been asking that for a while, the drop goal thing is ew

[@wooderzz]

does anyone get Squarespace transition anxiety watching these videos? haha