BORTHWICK WANTS A RUTHLESS STREAK

Red Rose coach says near misses need to be turned into victories

- ADAM HATHAWAY

STEVE BORTHWICK admitted his side need to develop a ruthless streak or keep falling short against the big boys of Test rugby.

For a second week in a row, England had their feet on New Zealand's throats but let them off the hook.

That is four close games they have lost in recent times with last weekend's 16-15 loss in Dunedin, added to the 33-31 loss to France in the Six Nations and the heart-breaking World Cup semi-final, 16-15, reverse to South Africa.

England have New Zealand first up in the autumn, on November 2 at Twickenham, followed by clashes against Australia, South Africa and Japan.