Borthwick happy to go back for future
The Rugby Paper|July 07, 2024
SO IT looks like Steve Borthwick has learned a lesson and decided what many thought was perhaps a step too far for the England coach to make.
JEFF PROBYN
Borthwick happy to go back for future

After a few years of following the idea of a modern look to the scrum and what abilities the players need to play in the international game, Borthwick has taken a step back that may well lead to a step forward for the team.

The recall of Joe Marler and Dan Cole shows a rethink that may enable England to copy the current world champions South Africa and dictate how the game can be won by creating a stable scrum at last.

Over the past few years, there has been a move by a number of international coaches to pick forwards, particularly front row players, whose main talents were their ball carrying skills. Although this can help the team when in open play, it doesn’t help the forwards to do their main job which is to control and suppress their opposition and create the open space for the team to exploit.

The scrum has always been one of the most important facets of the game even when I was playing, as was proved when new England coach Geoff Cooke, who took over after the first World Cup in 1987, said his first priority was to find a destructive tighthead prop which gave me the chance to play for England.

I became the most capped prop (until Jason Leonard came along) and held the record for the most tries scored by a prop until recently when Ellis Genge and Kyle Sinckler both overtook my record.

That said, I still retain one record which is that I am the only player whose opposition cut off the sleeves of their shirts to play against me.

This story is from the July 07, 2024 edition of The Rugby Paper.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the July 07, 2024 edition of The Rugby Paper.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE RUGBY PAPERView All
Ring fence has made English rugby go soft
The Rugby Paper

Ring fence has made English rugby go soft

THE most positive aspect to come out of the opening round of the European Cup was that, despite six out of the eight English clubs losing, it can get better and relatively quickly.

time-read
4 mins  |
December 15, 2024
The global travellers who light up game
The Rugby Paper

The global travellers who light up game

THERE is nothing especially funny about short-term memory loss, but it may just have an upside when it comes to rugby.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 15, 2024
Battling Bath looking to revive cup campaign
The Rugby Paper

Battling Bath looking to revive cup campaign

JOHANN van Graan is braced to take on the Italian national team in all but name as Bath look to revive their Champions Cup campaign.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 15, 2024
Off-target Gloucester get lesson in finishing
The Rugby Paper

Off-target Gloucester get lesson in finishing

KIWI Michael Ruru scored two early tries and put in a silky display as Vannes created a famous night in their history, securing a first ever Challenge Cup win over a misfiring Gloucester.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 15, 2024
We're happy to be the hunted, says Beckett
The Rugby Paper

We're happy to be the hunted, says Beckett

SARAH Beckett admits Gloucester-Hartpury have made an underwhelming start to their title defence but believes that's partly due to competition across the PWR being at an alltime high.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 15, 2024
Heard takes charge to keep out Sarries
The Rugby Paper

Heard takes charge to keep out Sarries

GLOUCESTER-HARTPURY secured a pulsating victory over Saracens to leapfrog the Londoners in the PWR table.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 15, 2024
Hellfire Corner gives a warm welcome to all
The Rugby Paper

Hellfire Corner gives a warm welcome to all

RUGBY was undergoing a massive boom 150 years ago so we shouldn’t be surprised so many teams are celebrating their sesquicentennial anniversary as those who glory in long words like to call it.

time-read
5 mins  |
December 15, 2024
My fierce Tigers are roaring-Howison
The Rugby Paper

My fierce Tigers are roaring-Howison

A RUTHLESS second-half display saw Sheffield Tigers come from behind to score 29 unanswered points and seal a vital bonus point win against bottom of the table Billingham.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 15, 2024
Brave Lupus banking on Mo'unga class
The Rugby Paper

Brave Lupus banking on Mo'unga class

THE fourth season of Japan Rugby League One kicks off this week, with the tournament opening with the clash between Mie Honda Heat and Ricoh Black Rams Tokyo on December 21.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 15, 2024
Oyonnax must live without El-Abd
The Rugby Paper

Oyonnax must live without El-Abd

OYONNAX’S seven-try 53-10 bonus-point win over ProD2 rivals Soyaux-Angouleme on Friday – their first victory since October 25 – was a relief in more ways than one. In fact, relief probably doesn’t cover it.

time-read
4 mins  |
December 15, 2024