Borthwick’s time to deliver in tough Irish grudge match

Top international coaches speak of building block performances, foundation stones within the construction of a winning side.

- HARRY LATHAM-COYLE

Those days that serve as proof of concept and proof of potential; a reference point, a formative experience to look to in the many moments of doubt.

The storms in professional sport come with relative regularity, the fierce winds that shake the structures and self-assurance one hopes to build. It is the ability to survive these squalls that create champions, we are told – the top teams swaying with the irregular gusts of the elite level.

For nearly a year, England have pointed to their win over Ireland as one such constitutional cornerstone. Few had given them a prayer as the visitors came chasing their grand slam dream; away the eventual tournament winners went, beaten by the better team as the hosts finally produced a performance of which Twickenham could be proud.

It stands alone in the Steve Borthwick era as the sole win of real, true magnitude – the dispatching of Argentina amid adversity at the World Cup was indisputably impressive under the circumstances but ultimately came against a flawed opponent. Two years since his arrival marked the end of an era, it is fair to question just how much better England actually are under Borthwick.

Certainly, the players find the environment far more enjoyable than that fostered by Eddie Jones, who will be gleefully watching on from the sidelines as a pundit for ITV, and overdue strides have been made to evolve their playing style, but more tangible progress is yet to be evidenced.