The 13 reasons why England can win this year's Six Nations - as the stars begin to align for head coach Steve Borthwick, writes CHRIS FOY
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According to the negativity-inducing RFU, coverage of rugby in this country is far too down-beat, so here is a concerted attempt to see the glass half-full. There are reasons to believe that England’s slump could be over soon. In fact, there are many reasons to believe that Steve Borthwick’s national team could emerge from the rubble of their horror year to become contenders to win the Six Nations. Seriously. Some of the scorelines inflicted on Premiership clubs over the weekend, in both the Investec Champions Cup and Challenge Cup, may mean that any English optimism requires a leap of faith, but there are grounds for it, nonetheless.
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Union in-fighting at Twickenham has left a giant dark cloud over the sport in these parts, but amid the gloom there are glimmers of light. Put aside the absence of Immanuel Feyi-Waboso due to his need for shoulder surgery – as first reported by Mail Sport – and positive developments have been stacking up. It doesn’t mean England are suddenly going to turn into world-beaters, but as they fly to Spain for a pre-tournament training camp, stars are aligning in their favour at least.
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After losing seven of their 12 Tests in 2024, Borthwick’s side needed a change of course. In response to that grim return, some good decisions have been made and some good fortune has helped too. There will be a shift in defensive emphasis away from the high-risk, high-reward blitz favoured by Felix Jones and that is a sensible option. It will suit new defence coach Joe El-Abd and most of the players in the squad should be able to adapt to the altered line-speed orders quickly. Furthermore, the departure of Jones – after his odd autumn role as a remote analyst – provides a clean break.
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