But it would be handy for Borthwick to shed more light on what’s going on, after four wins in 11 matches across the calendar year. Erasmus, the lion king in the Test jungle righ

England full-back Freddie Steward has defended under-fire head coach Steve Borthwick and said it’s the players who should be blamed for the defeat to South Africa. The Red Roses lost a fifth consecutive Test match as they went down 29-20 at Allianz Stadium, prompting speculation over Borthwick’s position.

Freddie Steward insists the players and not Steve Borthwick are at fault for the autumn washout that has piled pressure on England's head coach.