Maro Itoje makes his feelings clear on England boss Steve Borthwick

With the Rugby Football Union conducting a detailed review following England’s worst-ever finish — including a historic defeat to Italy and just one win — pressure has mounted on head coach Steve Borthwick.

Chief executive Bill Sweeney has so far stopped short of offering full backing, with the review set to conclude later this month.

But captain Maro Itoje was clear: responsibility lies firmly with the players.

“I take responsibility alongside the senior players. We need to make sure that the team is ready to go. There is truly no need for a revolution,” Itoje told The Times.

“Steve didn’t want us to play the way we were playing. That wasn’t part of the plan. That wasn’t part of how he coached throughout the week. But we unfortunately couldn’t handle it. We spent way too much of the games with a man in the bin. And we weren’t executing.

“We were getting into the opposition 22 but we weren’t converting. We weren’t giving that extra pass. We weren’t offloading like we did throughout 2025 [and 12 straight Test wins]. Looseness around the breakdown when we were in control. All of those things we didn’t do as well as we should have done.”

Based on current form and influence, we have selected a best XV in world rugby right now, choosing the standout player in each position.

Cold as ice and arguably the best kicker in the world, Ramos proved it when he slotted France’s match winning kick in the Six Nations.

Even without that unforgettable moment in Paris, he was outstanding throughout the championship. His goal kicking was close to flawless and his playmaking from fullback made him a crucial attacking weapon.

He even moved to fly half against Italy and looked completely comfortable, highlighting his versatility. Performances like that make his place in this team fully deserved.

At just 22 years old, Louis Bielle-Biarrey is redefining expectations for a winger. He is now Bordeaux’s all time leading try scorer and holds the record for the most tries in a single Six Nations, remarkable achievements so early in his career.

From a hat trick on his Champions Cup debut at 18 to helping deliver Bordeaux’s first European title and claiming Six Nations Player of the Tournament honours, his rise has been rapid and emphatic.

Nine tries in the recent championship is extraordinary and he continues to improve.

Italy will be pleased with their campaign, even though they slipped up against Wales in the final round.

Wins over Scotland and England, including their first ever victory against the latter, underline what was a highly successful tournament.

At the centre of that progress was Tommaso Menoncello. Although he played mostly at inside centre, he takes the outside centre position here due to the strength of options at 12.

Powerful with the ball in hand, he ranked among the top five for several carrying statistics and finished fourth for total jackals, highlighting both his defensive influence and attacking threat.

McCloskey has been central to everything Ireland produced in this Six Nations.

Losing the title in the final minute will hurt, but there were still many positives from a campaign that improved as it went on.

With six try assists, the joint highest in the tournament, along with the third most carries, the second most defenders beaten and the fifth most offloads, his influence is clear.

It is easy to see why he earns a place in this team.

Few players divide opinion like Cheslin Kolbe, yet when the pressure is highest his impact is undeniable.

While discussion sometimes surrounds his club form in Japan, his Test performances offer a far clearer measure of his quality.

A two time World Cup winner, he has scored in finals, troubled the British and Irish Lions and delivered defining moments for South Africa.

Whether given space or forced under pressure, Kolbe consistently rises to the occasion.

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu might have something to say about this choice.

Creativity at fly half rarely arrives with such control. Once seen purely as a maverick, Finn Russell has developed into a commanding playmaker who blends imagination with authority.

Over the summer he became the Lions’ main creative influence, shaping their most dangerous attacks with clarity and ambition.

Whether leading Bath or steering Scotland through tight Tests, he can shift momentum with a single decision.

At his best, Russell does more than manage a match. He controls its rhythm and direction, as he demonstrated during the recent Six Nations.

Even a long spell out with an ACL injury has not diminished Antoine Dupont’s status as rugby’s benchmark.

His list of achievements is remarkable, including World Rugby Player of the Year in 15s in 2021 and in Sevens in 2024, three Six Nations Player of the Tournament awards, Olympic gold and numerous domestic and European titles.

The only player to win both of rugby’s major global individual awards, he represents sustained excellence across formats.

Five Top 14 titles and two European Cups underline his dominance at club level.

Springbok prop Ox Nche has built his reputation on raw power and excellent scrummaging technique.

Compact and explosive, his lower centre of gravity gives him a clear advantage against taller opponents.

Beyond the set piece, he contributes through tireless defence and surprising mobility around the field.

He also became the first prop to be nominated for World Player of the Year in 2025.

The global benchmark for hookers now belongs to Malcolm Marx.

Powerful in contact, relentless in his work rate and destructive at the breakdown, he has redefined expectations for the position.

After being crowned World Rugby Player of the Year, he became only the second hooker after Keith Wood to win the men’s 15s award and the first since 2001.

Starting 11 of South Africa’s 14 Tests last season and scoring five tries, he played a major role in a campaign where the Springboks retained the Rugby Championship and lost only twice.

Leicester Tigers tighthead Joe Heyes has emerged over the past year to establish himself among the best in his position.

His scrummaging has improved significantly and is now one of his biggest strengths, a vital area for any prop.

Alongside his set piece work, he still contributes strongly around the field and was one of the few England players who consistently rose to the challenge during the Six Nations.

One of rugby’s most intimidating figures, Eben Etzebeth has anchored the Springbok pack for more than a decade.

With over 130 caps, the towering lock has led through physical dominance and relentless competitiveness.

A World Cup winner and South Africa’s most capped player, his presence elevates those around him.

Although he is currently serving a ban for an eye gouge on Alex Mann, no player during the Six Nations did enough to displace him from this team.

There appears to be little that Tadhg Beirne cannot do.

Whether playing in the second row or at blindside flanker, he remains essential to Andy Farrell’s Ireland side.

He led the Six Nations in lineout steals, topped the tournament for jackals and turnovers won, and ranked among the leading tacklers.

His relentless work rate provided a strong foundation for his team throughout the competition.

Few leaders in world sport carry the influence of Siya Kolisi.

Rising from humble beginnings to become South Africa’s first black captain, he lifted the Rugby World Cup in both 2019 and 2023.

His leadership reaches far beyond the field, symbolising hope and unity for millions.

Kolisi combines relentless work rate with emotional intelligence on the pitch, while his journey and character shape a legacy that extends well beyond rugby.

Recognition inevitably follows effort, and few players work harder than Pieter-Steph du Toit.

His 28 tackle performance in the 2023 World Cup final stands among the most remarkable individual displays in the sport.

Now a two time World Rugby Player of the Year at 33, he continues to represent consistency and resilience.

Intelligent in defence and relentless in contact, he embodies South Africa’s competitive spirit.

Even with limited recent club appearances, his standing at the highest level remains unquestioned.

Ardie Savea’s move to Moana Pasifika carried huge symbolic meaning and he backed it up with outstanding performances.

His influence raised standards within the squad, inspired historic wins and earned him Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year.

Explosive and tireless, he remains central to the All Blacks’ identity.

Even with his switch to Japan slightly shifting perceptions, his quality and influence are still undeniable.