Steve Borthwick tells epic story of banter with the New Zealand public | Steinlager Series

England may have lost their series in New Zealand 0-2 but coach Steve Borthwick was beaming with pride for how his young team handled the pressure of playing the All Blacks at the end of a mammoth season.

[@caesarforlife1663]

Borthwick is a very humble guy. A real gentleman. Respect to the English rugby team. 👋👋👋

[@shaunbainbridge1584]

He’s a Cumbrian it’s what I expect. Talisman players do special things so a huge well done to Beauden Barrett. England are definitely going in the right direction

[@patrickfarrell5092]

As an Irish supporter I have to say Steve is indeed a gentleman, this was my first time to really listen to his presser.

[@paulynz5631]

Thanks England. You played some good rugby. It was a pleasure having you here.

[@peace2u947]

Quality team! They have some serious talent! England of the future look really promising.

[@keithcrane469]

Thank you 👍

[@howstupidcanyoube100]

Genuinely, it was not the dour England tour of old. I thought both teams played some great rugby.

[@EpicTyme]

Kiwi Here, The English should be very proud of this team and I think the future looks bright for England. Class Act. Your Coach is Absolutely a Class Act also.

[@geoffreypetherick7437]

Said by a truth Rugby heart I’m in UK Thank you

[@jacksleight4128]

Kiwi here, Steve and the England team have so much class and respect i look forward to playing them again

[@WhoAmEye187]

You mean you look forward to watching again from your couch mate 😂

[@mungoblizzard6114]

@@WhoAmEye187that’s actually Jordie Barrett’s account didn’t you know?

[@lifes-entertainment2484]

Nice and thanks, everyone in england loves NZ

[@HiMom2024]

@@WhoAmEye187exactly hey mate 😂

[@sweetybnz7482]

Congratulations on making the ABs team Jack. 😅

[@NewBlackAlchemy]

Your team and style won over this NZ fan. If England keeps playing like this then the future of English rugby is bright indeed. I look forward to seeing many more games of the calibre of this series. Kia Kaha, England!

[@taniagodwin2138]

Traditionally, ex- England Coaches, for decades, have been cocky, far too under the influence of over promise, under deliver. Steve Borthwick is finally a Coach for England who is real, passionate and doesn't deliver over expectations for his Team. Pride always cometh before a fall. What I really like about Steve is he's a) a Northerner b) never sets his Team up for impossible expectations c) this English side, under his guidance believe in themselves and finally d) they respect NZ, our fans, the Country and the AB'S. Well played England, you've gained supporters Globally as a result of your mighty efforts. Do not in any way feel disheartened, there is still all to play for and build on, just the same as the AB'S will. Thank you all for finally realising, when you take on my Country of just on 5m people, with roughly the same land mass as the UK with roughly 69m People, our Rugby is hugely important to us, and I live in the Highlands of Scotland. Very well played Steve, you've hit just the right note.

[@kahupapuni7863]

So true love the style and passion they bring

[@MrWillt100]

Totally agree he is so realistic that he makes Eddie look like a clown oh forgot he has always been a clown.

[@3lDuK371]

this comment sums things up for me. England Rugby has always been a massive turn off for the reasons you mentioned but, this young team performed well and the humility of the team and Borthwick is a breath of fresh air.

[@garyparsons8698]

You talk shite

[@karl-heinzvonscharnhorst546]

These two blokes are outstanding leaders for England rugby in their respective roles. Well done, lads. 🇳🇿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@MiniMatthew]

This is probably the nicest comment section of any England game I've ever seen. I think that shows how much people can see when players try hard like they have you csn see wins are decided in small moments at a coin flip.

[@waffle_burger8499]

England were a hell of a lot better than just about everyone predicted. They'll be mighty hard to beat at Twickenham later this year. Their coach and captain are class.

[@davidwalker2402]

I think the rest of the world think of England as ranked 5 and going on results thats about right.

[@kev63inuk]

Cheers waffle , yeah I’m proud of them both. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@johndiamond6931]

I had them to win in game 1, but ABs only just to win in game 2.

[@ljawgtn1393]

Despite the outcome, England played two outstanding tests that had us on the edge of our seats! Great attacking prowess & 2 brilliant tries tonight at Eden Park. With humility, respect and sportsmanship, they proved to be worthy competitors who have left a lasting impression on us. Top show! Have a good trip home & all the best England 🖤

[@ljawgtn1393]

@chrisBaxter-ly8or ahaha I'm a Kiwi-girl x

[@ernietarling5829]

Well spoken guys. A credit to English rugby, and a genuine surprise to many New Zealanders.

[@haasteagle2750]

Maro Itoje has always been NZ's nemesis, the guys an absolute freak. Also Marcus Smith should come and play Super Rugby he's a gem of a player very exciting talent. Steve Borthwick has made a massive difference to England they're a quality team and will only get better

[@Caledon1893]

Gave three pens away today which really hurt England. Brilliant first half performance though.

[@brandonpye8757]

@@Caledon1893He plays on the edge. England needed a big moment last 15mins as the momentum had swung to the ABs. He was the best player on the field for 60mins so you should let him off.

[@kev63inuk]

@@brandonpye8757Agree , chasing the game made us a bit desparate. But Maro was great and lack of strength and experience on the bench cost us two weeks running . But All blacks awesome as always 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇳🇿

[@joedennehy386]

Itoje was brodies little bitch, now he's gone Maro is having a field day

[@JUSTCHILLIN862]

From an AB supporter , cheers to the english 👍 total class on and off the field , look forward to the battle at Twickenham , safe travel home 💯👌

[@davidfenwick9577]

I have the utmost respect for Borthwick and the English team ...good on you fellas see you at twickenham 👍

[@michaelhussey440]

At the end of the match I liked the way that Jamie George said 'we look forward to welcoming the All Blacks to Twickenham'. Should be an epic match.

[@markmushypeas313]

What a superb coach, ambassador and human being. Much admiration. Same for the NZ coach. Both top guys

[@plasticgun9261]

Another Kiwi here, Borthwick is a standup guy. I'd rate him as the best coach in the world at the moment. We need to play each other more often. These games have been so tight.

[@shonunezekiel]

that's nice of you to say... in boxing there is the expression 'styles make fights' and I think it applies to rugby as well - all the recent matches between our two countries are always full of intensity and high quality rugby (partly because England have stepped-it-up more recently, but also because the way each side attacks and defends makes for an enthralling matchup).

[@xWhiteSyrie]

Love this England side. The last 2 games haven't even felt like we lost just because I feel so proud of how the boys played. Excited to watch England play again!

[@gtestastretta1]

Typical pome, you lost and yet you still feel like you won. Perennial losers.

[@yeahdefinitely6607]

Kiwi here, those views expressed to you on the street and the lift I hope are not shared by the majority of us - England are an excellent team and we were lucky to win both these games

[@kaimaiiti]

Massive respect for this English team: Great defensive system, dominated lineout today, brilliant cross-field kicks and some heads-up intelligent attacking rugby. Highly rate Furbank, Smith, Itoje and Cunningham South. The tour has highlighted how much New Zealand need to work on... especially Defensive systems, 22 exit strategies, and lineout.

[@gregbooth1551]

I love Steve Borthwick, he is a class act, as is his team, so humble and a great coach IMHO. Great to hear about the "banter" Reminded me of the AB's touring Wales back in the 1970's. I fully expected England to compete and possibly win. They are a world class team and will only get better. Twickenham is going to be a HUGE battle for us!

[@tommybyrne5745]

Irish here great try’s England great game great to see you back in the fold .

[@duncanwcraig9668]

Thank you England for coming to NZ, playing excellent rugby, and being wonderful ambassadors for the game. See you in November!

[@neilcarpenter2669]

Borthwick actually made me laugh with his anecdotes on some NZ fans, he should show us this side of his character more often.

[@theo9789]

Very worthy adversaries! If there is one nation I HATE seeing the AB's give it up to, that would be England. Thank you gentlemen.

[@user-dm6fg8co1x]

England have gained massive respect here in NZ, they are in an excellent place. Go well, travel safe.

[@gtestastretta1]

Ahh no they don't.

[@clitering]

As an Englishman living in NZ we’ll take the respect - thank you. I’d have loved at least one win, but gaining a bit of respect, which to be fair we haven’t earned for a long time - with the England fans as well - is a decent second prize in the context of a new team, coach etc

[@user-dm6fg8co1x]

@@gtestastretta1 they dont what?

[@johntumai827]

AB fan here, England done their country proud. Mad respect for the Roses, nearly had us in both games!

[@farnofamilyfarm]

So glad we won because I can say nice things about England. They are a tough team and Marcus Smith is so good.

[@KiwiPepega]

I was acutally suprised and happy to see England being competitive with us again. I miss the days you know, 20-30 years ago when I was a kid watching us battle it out and not always winning, sure I want to win, but a good game is actually nice to see. South Africa for example seems to be a country that you always go away win or lose saying, why the F does the WRU employ these refs so, this was a breath of fresh air.

[@rebeccalockyer]

Great team and Steve is a great coach. 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 Had us sweating!! Beaudy is what happened 😅

[@grahamandrews3481]

as a welsh supporter steve is a very humble guy, so close for england respect,

[@DanSeabright]

well done england, im a kiwi and hard ab fan, you fulla's played awesome and looking forward to twickers.

[@dcmj3798]

proud of you boys, well done, youve put a massive amount of respect on the shirt again and i couldnt be prouder of how you guys put your body on the line over these games

[@johannblignaut1966]

Agree🇿🇦

[@gtestastretta1]

They still lost.

[@ah-yousay]

Thank you Steve thank you Jamie and all the team and staff..you don’t need me to tell you but BE PROUD of yourselves..Great effort & performance and please keep the faith in the WAY YOU ARE PLAYING!👏🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿👏🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿👏

[@broadside1944]

England leave our shores with our respect. Thank you for coming.

[@vancemcallister9649]

Kiwi commenting - aye Steve, you’ve got them humming and they’ll only Get better. Full credit mate.

[@gregsmith2164]

Respect, Steve is a great coach and a decent humble guy

[@geoffreysmith49]

AB supporter here. England's performance against he boks at the rwc with a lesser team than they brought today, their defeat of Ireland and their performances in the last 2 tests, their grace and humility in defeat has announced their arrival. There are now 5 side who compete at the highest level. Can't wait for Boks/Ireland in and hour. The RC and 6 Nations will be exciting viewing this year, especially with stronger OZ, Italian, Scot and Welsh sides. Going to be a great year for the sport. Marcus Smith is the most exciting 10 in world rugby

[@alfwalker5698]

Two great games - well played England. Thanks for coming...

[@Manihiki275Ez]

Hearty AB's supporter but I have to say this England is Legit!! They have improved so much since the RWC and even then they almost made the Rugby World Cup Final so that says a lot about where they're at right now! They can only get better to be honest. Was a great test series and will see you guys again at the end of the year.

[@Garethjames696]

Some classy posts from you AB fans 👌it was dissappointing to not secure a win, it briefly looked possible today but there’s a reason Eden Park has the reputation it does. Well played, looking forward to playing you again in November!

[@Manihiki275Ez]

@@Garethjames696 In all honesty I really enjoyed the style of play England has shaped themselves into from defence to attack. Its and exciting brand of football - Marcus Smith is maturing to become a very good Flyhalf and you got a great FB in Furbank, although sad he couldn't play this test match but he's a gun. You can tell once they minimize the mistakes/errors/penalties they're going to shape into a very good footy side!

[@nathanputtock11]

Opening words from Borthers are spot on. Pride and excitement....... 2 fantastic test matches. Well done All Blacks for taking the series and thank you England for such a great fight. Wonderful rugby.

[@markphillips67]

thank you england for those matches you have let us dream again its been a hard few years or so but we can see there is a bright future ahead , the new zealand commentary was great very fair and kinda words about us , thanks both teams x

[@waffle_burger8499]

England are a different team to last year's WC. They were a very difficult team for the AB's to beat in these two games, and they'll be a hell of a team to beat at Twickenham. If they keep it together for another 3-4 years they'll be strong WC contenders for sure. See you at Twickenham! Itoje is a generational player imo.

[@deanhubbard2846]

Enjoyed watching this English team play, I think they'll be hard to beat at twickenham. They did a number on our lineouts, cross kicking was spot on, their forwards carried and cleaned out well and they kept us in our half for long periods. Gave us a bit of a lesson and reintroduction to playing the percentage game. Luckily we came out on top.

[@drumsandstix128]

I now have huge respect for the English rugby team, your team has been outstanding. Your team will only get better and we look forward to the next encounter!

[@rodeo4786]

Hard luck Steve and Jamie what a test England had us under all sorts of pressure with 2 quality tries I fear Twickenham in November is gonna be an extremely tough assignment for the Abs ATM we won't survive

[@-NemoMeImpuneLacessit]

Nice to see the respect for the England coach and the team from the comments section. It hasn't always been the case. England are in a building phase atm and I believe that they will continue to improve, we have a few world class players and a couple more with the potential to be. The under 20's are in the final of the world Cup and the future is bright.

[@FrankoRoberts]

Well done Steve Borthwick a gentleman of our game and the humility shown here is fantastic, well done and you should be proud not just for England but for our game called Rugby.

[@MrWillt100]

Thank you England both games were a real spectacle to watch. Your country can be very proud of how your team played and I for one could see that we were lucky to win both as they could have been either way. Cannot wait for November. Steve Borthwick take a bow it's great to see that England have a real coach again and Eddie leaving was the best thing that could have happened.

[@section1379]

A new found respect for Borthwick and his Red Rose outfit! Thankyou for a great series! Looking forward to what they will be like in 2027

[@aza109954]

Good effort by England. The truth is there's not much separating the top five teams in the world at the moment

[@allisonbartlett-morley3470]

Well done England, great attitude.

[@vesitagoiaega6334]

Return match in November will be interesting. Safe flight back home Steve and the boys. GB.

[@michaelarmstrong126]

England, Ireland, South Africa and New Zealand are really keeping the bar of quality rugby high post-world cup. And they all adapted and evolved really well from their first test. Exciting times as a viewer from an NZ supporter who loves a good tight match

[@peterlangan1181]

This England team is the best I have seen ever I think and it’s not quite the finished article. In a year or so they will be very hard to beat by any team. I am a Bok fan but I think it’s a good thing to have four or five teams on the top level who can all beat each other on a given day. The next world cup will be epic!

[@andrewbere-adams2410]

Proper test match footy. Marcus was brilliant. Could have gone either way (again) which is what every rugby supporter wants. Nothing between the top tiers. Thanks England for a belter of a tour and you’re welcome every time.

[@Sam-em1ic]

England have so many more exciting pieces than they seemed to have recently, and congratulations to Borthwick for giving them a go. They'll be a force to be reckoned with if they can sort out the scrum, the locks and loosies are all world class. Nice to see our boys scrap out a win though, early days but maybe we've turned a corner and rediscovered that winning ability

[@marcdaniels9079]

Just brilliant to see the gracious comments from Kiwis here. Such a contrast from the nonsense we often get from Bokke fans in the comments.

[@trentsutton896]

England are a very good side ! Love the way they play . Well done ABs

[@glenndouglas.T]

The English played fantastic rugby - could even say unlucky. A monster lineout. Will be hard to beat later in the year.

[@Fifty8day]

Thanks for coming! come back soon !😊

[@TheBigd1975]

As an Irish guy that loves the Premiership and hates the urc, I think England and new zealand are going to be serious by the autumn and next six nations. Steve Borthwick and Scott Robertson are class acts

[@Migsie73]

This a very strong English side with talented players emerging and Steve Borthwick comes across as grounded and humble coach....unlike Eddie Jones who was too cocky for his own good . The return match at Twickenham at the end of the year will be an epic battle - AB Supporter

[@flossie266]

Very respectful impressive good stuff England 2 great tests thanks for coming down to play us

[@johntaylor3298]

This England team was enjoyable to watch, another season or two under Steve will be a formidable force, I like the balance of this team under Steve and I think with his calming influence has rubbed off on the players. There was bugger all between the teams, and England just fell short.

[@kevinrapana8678]

Awesome humble coach

[@vinniebarbarino-1]

England has come a long way with their new attacking rugby style, it was an interesting two test series. Looking forward to the November test.

[@korocam9137]

The Super Sub Beauden Barrett held the English captain up over the line. The bench was the difference tonight namely Newell, a massive debut for Cortez Ratima and the Man of the match performance from Barrett.

[@panzer1066]

Englishman here. Two tough tests - big difference was being able to call Beauden Barrett off the bench. New Zealand still setting the way forward and November at Twickenham is to be relished. For now I have to settle my losing bet with my Kiwi mate here in the Philippines (where Marcus Smith was born).

[@vailima49aston99]

I’ve never like England rugby but this team is on to something and this coach should be proud, great series my ALLBLACKS are lucky I feel this time

[@carlh296]

Reckon thats the best England interview in...... god knows.

[@VKM33]

Always humble when you’ve been humbled

[@speeddemon9555]

England are a damn good team, and, they will get a lot better by the time we meet them at Twickenam !!

[@karenmckenzie5931]

Borthwick and George - class!!

[@marcmcdonald48]

Rare for George to complain , ball was short & play should've contd.

[@imowitlikeiownit9514]

That’s class!! 👏🤝

[@mathewquivooy393]

What a quality guy Borthwick is. I really like the considered and honest way that he spoke. Bit reluctant to admit this, considering my default position is to not like him. Lol. Well played England.

[@andrewlovegrove6442]

We’re very proud of your journey and progress to this point, can’t wait for the next World Cup 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@patrickfarrell5092]

Have to say I like Steve Borthwick, absolute gentleman. Being an Irish supporter I've always experienced the snobbery with English management. Northern English are sound people. 🇮🇪💚☘

[@patrickchilds2987]

Have really enjoyed this England tour to NZ, the games were very close but I have no problem with the ABs winning both tests, they deservedit . The ABs are the gold standard in the game ! I especially enjoyed the positivity from both teams, the fans and the media about the games. Lastly i really enjoyed the team interviews on this tour .Borthwick and Razor are a breath of fresh air, for them its just about the rugby, both interesting, respectful and entertaining. Not heard Razor being interviewed before but how could anyone not like him i hope we don't have to wait another 10 years before England come back to NZ. I wish ABs all the best for the Rugby Championship 👍

[@murrayjohn8608]

Respect for Jamie George who I thought was getting past it. Wow - 80-minutes against NZ in a losing front row. He's obviously a good Captain something is going right in that Team.

[@ObiePaddles]

Pure Class. Shame it wasn’t a 3 match series and dont stay away so long. Looks like we willl have a period of 4 good teams we hear the results are not predictable in advance which is great.

[@kjr2868]

I liked Steve's story about what NZ fans say to him! Just shows you the delusional thinking that comes with having just one eye! I say this as an All Black fan, hopefully with both my eyes open! All the credit and respect to the English team for the way they played!!

[@elizabethleiper2664]

A great game, real nail biter, England tested the All Blacks thoroughly, both tests were extremely well played

[@librapower7810]

As an England fan I totally loved this test series, despite getting whitewashed by ABs. They will be some force under Razor. Here's hoping we don't have to wait another 10 years until we play you again in NZ.

[@wellhookedWA]

Steve Borthwick is proving himself to be pretty effective. I've said this before, but Rugby is a game of three essential variables: power, pace and precision. The All Blacks have always had all three in spades. Occasionally England could match them for power, or sometimes pace, but precision has always been lacking. For the first time in recent history England have raised their precision levels to All Black level. England made hardly any errors in this last very intense test. It's great for the sport in general and the AB's still have the edge when it comes to playing strength in depth. Only the Springboks have a similarly strong squad. I'm really looking forward to future matches like these last two with genuinely competitive sides battling it out.

[@robbiegarscadden2311]

Missed most of the second test but caught the last 15 minutes. Both tests were arm wrestles, exactly what we needed. England finally have a good coach after all these years (think fast eaddie motormouth). I like Borthwick and I wish him all the best. I'm looking forward to the return in Twickenham where we can only get better and England will want to defend their own ground. Safe tri' home England.... See you later jn the year.

[@boondog8504]

Both tests could have easily gone your way, well played England

[@CG-or1re]

need to have more regular new zealand england matches, it's criminal how little they've played recent years

[@kelbatt7729]

It's 35-8 overall, in reality- England are minnows to the ABs

[@holyliable5829]

Jamie George was funny at the end of the game lol. ''this is a massive call'' they replayed the infringement 6 times right in front of him and he still complained to the ref and linesmen🤣 Great game England I think they earned the respect of the NZ rugby public on this tour and well deserved too, safe flight home and we'll see you again in November

[@danedwadd62]

Clear delicate nz got very lucky teala got called for knock on was clear slap down and would been yellow

[@cammybotha7806]

@@danedwadd62 we can say the same for itoje when he slapped the ball at the line out, or when he high tackled. The decisions the ref makes, is the final. GG

[@VKM33]

Yep sour grapes from georgie porgie

[@edwardvaughan8821]

For me the maul looked normal and then ball was before the line. If it's the last play of the game and you're banging on the door, no wonder George was frustrated as were many Eng fans.

[@martinhaines2884]

@@edwardvaughan8821Aren’t you missing the player in front of ball carrier coming off the maul.

[@sailorsamoa]

This is a very good English side! Could've won both games. AS Borthwick said, it's a young team and if they can stay together and go through the journey they will be very hard to beat.

[@wall-lion94]

Many thanks to all New Zealanders on here for the kind words and respect 😉👏

[@captain.awesome4172]

Theyre gonna be a force at world cup time. Starting to feel like that 2003 English side

[@keltonharvey4562]

We were a little unorganized and without a clear plan, running around waiting for someone to do something until Beauden came on and just seemed to take control of a couple of bad situations and completely changed the game in favor of the ABs

[@mattbarrett8092]

Wicked series. Not alot between these 2 teams, home advantage and BB may have been the difference

[@joedennehy386]

Well played England, newfound respect was well earned, if you play like that you'll have way more wins than losses

[@waikukujk]

Plenty to be proud of. All Blacks were really under pressure and it showed.

[@crankitorspankit]

What a class act.

[@besense9867]

Thanks England. Also thanks for going to support the wahs 🙌🙌🙌

[@Damcarnivore]

Dam it’s amazing how people can look at the same thing and see a completely different picture. I saw the ball held up over the line, penalty or not it was over

[@Jinskii762]

i like the english team, i think they will be tough team next world cup

[@craigywild]

A key moment in that game which shifted momentum to New Zealand was when our forwards gave a free kick on 60 mins when we had a line out on their 5 meter line and had them on the backfoot.

[@fl7907]

Ab fan here, never saw the Abs thrashing England. Expected a hard game.