Game of Chess as Borthwick turns to Ollie

Coach dismisses Rome bust-up and says captain's word is law

- BY ADAM HATHAWAY

LOCKED IN Chessum will start against France

STEVE BORTHWICK has backed his leadership group to haul England out of their hole - despite an on-field spat during their collapse in Italy.

Skipper Maro Itoje was caught on camera screaming at Fin Smith when the fly-half questioned his decision to go for goal rather than a try.

England were 12-10 up early in the second half in Rome on Saturday, before capitulating to a 23-18 defeat, when they won a penalty.

Itoje pointed to the posts, but Smith wanted to kick for touch and a lineout. Itoje stood his ground, and vice-captain Ellis Genge got involved.

Skipper Itoje told Smith: "Don't argue with me. Take the three."

From the stands, it looked like another case of England's team coming apart at the seams.

But head coach Borthwick has brushed it under the carpet and declared his captain's word is law ahead of Saturday's finale against France. Borthwick, a former Bath, Saracens and England captain himself, said: "The situation is, the captain makes the decision, that is very clear.