Adversity will be good for team: Borthwick
The Straits Times|November 18, 2024
England coach Steve Borthwick said that yet another painful defeat, this time 29-20 by South Africa on Nov 16, will help his team in the long run as they continue their development.

His team played well in parts and, for the sixth straight game against top-tier opposition, they led late on, only to lose.

England's 20-19 lead after 52 minutes was a brief flicker, as a second try for the brilliant Cheslin Kolbe of the Springboks just after the hour put the nail in the coffin.

"I think this adversity will be good for the team. These are challenging days, the development days for us, it's painful," Borthwick said after England lost three in a row at home for the first time since 2006 to leave their 2024 record as a paltry four wins from 11 games.

"We are playing against very, very good teams and you have to credit them. In that last part today we had plenty of opportunities, but small lapses end up being hugely significant.

This story is from the November 18, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.

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This story is from the November 18, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.

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