"Tough decision" - Steve Borthwick's interesting reaction to Owen Farrell 'slump'
Rugby NewsMonday, 27 February 2023 at 17:18
Despite another wayward performance against Wales, Steve Borthwick believes Owen Farrell will redeem himself from the kicking tee.
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Plenty of fans believe the England head coach has a difficult decision to make, as his captain has landed only seven of 15 kicks at goal, with a success rate of 47%.
Meanwhile, Ireland's Johnny Sexton’s has slotted 89% of his kicks for Ireland.
However, from his comments to The Guardian, it sounds like Borthwick will be leaving Marcus Smith on the bench once again.
“I think Owen answered it really well and really honestly, and that’s immense credit to him,” said Borthwick.
“When you have been a world-class kicker for as long as he has, there are moments where you have days that don’t quite go your way.
"But when he has got a proven track record he will always … we will always, a bad day happens, he will always come good.
“We can all improve, we all think about how we can improve what we do on a daily basis.
"That is a consistent message if you look around the whole team, the whole England squad want to improve – the players, the coaches, the management team, we want to get better.”
Three players Steve Borthwick should drop – and who should replace them for France
England heaped more misery on troubled Wales with a scrappy Six Nations victory in Cardiff.
Nevertheless, Steve Borthwick's side were far from perfect with a number of player coming under fire.
#1. Owen Farrell
Telegraph 5/10: "Farrell is a phenomenal talent but the skipper did not enjoy his best of days. Missed kicks, charge-downs - but the competitive venom was never in question."
Guardian 5/10: “Charged down by Faletau early on but shrugged that off well. Goal-kicking was poor, not for the first time this championship.”
Planet Rugby 4/10: “Poor, poor, poor. It’s hard to justify his place in the team at the moment. Kicking off the tee was once again abysmal and his decision-making and execution was completely off. “
Evening Standard. 6/10: “Curiously off-kilter off the tee but dragged England home through sheer bloody-mindedness.”
Replacement: Marcus Smith
#2. Jack Van Poortvliet
Guardian 6/10: "A bit scrappy with ball in hand. Kicked at pretty much every opportunity but eventually exposed Wales under high ball.'
Replacement: Alex Mitchell
Jack van Poortvliet of England is tackled by Richie Mo’unga of New Zealand during the Autumn International Series match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham, London on 19 November 2022 (Photo: Micah Crook/PPAUK)
#3. Max Malins
Guardian 6/10: " Always looking to come off his wing and link with Farrell and posed a threat as a result. At fault for Rees-Zammit’s try."
Mail Online 6/10: "Great line off his wing for Anthony Watson’s opener but gifted Rees-Zammit try after break.".
Replacement: Cadan Murley
Max Malins of England goes over for a try during the Six Nations Championship, Calcutta Cup match between England and Scotland at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on February 4th 2023. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
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