Drop gave Steward a new start

FREDDIE STEWARD thought being axed by Steve Borthwick two years ago was the end of the world - but now he believes it made him a better player.

- BY ADAM HATHAWAY

Fullback Steward was flying at the time but was then told by the head coach he was not playing against Scotland at Murrayfield.

Being dropped brought to an end a run of 33 starts in 35 Tests, from his debut in 2021, which included a World Cup semifinal against South Africa.