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Brian Moore: Borthwick approach ‘burns out’, suggests Marcus Smith theory: Planet Rugby

Pabio November 5, 2024

Former England rower Brian Moore believes Steve Borthwick risks incurring the wrath of supporters if he refuses to honestly address perfectly reasonable concerns.

The head coach was criticized following their painful 24-22 defeat to the All Blacks for taking off Marcus Smith with 18 minutes remaining.

Black-smith had been England best player, scoring 17 points and setting up Immanuel Feyi-Waboso’s try with a nice interception and a break, but Borthwick called on George Ford to close out the match.

However, it was a decision that backfired as Ford missed the tackle that allowed Mark Tele’a to score the winning try before the substitute miscued two late kicks.

Borthwick’s approach to the media

Borthwick remained coy after the match in offering an explanation, emphasizing the quality offered by Ford.

It’s an approach the former Leicester Tigers boss has always had with the media, but Moore believes it is “wearing out” with fans.

“We are long past the point where coaches in any sport, at any level, are honest in post-game interviews,” he wrote in his statement. Telegraph column.

“Almost no one admits their mistakes, and some will say that’s a good thing, because you have to think before you open your mouth.

“That’s all well and good, especially as it’s not going to change, but what English rugby fans must hope is that England’s recent debriefing sessions involve ownership of mistakes and responsibility accordingly – on the part of players and coaches.

“Steve Borthwick’s post-match comment that ‘it’s important to recognize how well everything went’ is the sort of statement that, while having partial validity, wears thin with supporters English after seeing their team fail to cross the line in games in which they held what should have been a defendable lead going into the final minutes.

“If no one from the England management is prepared to answer perfectly reasonable questions such as: ‘Why did you replace Marcus Smith in the 62nd minute, especially when George Ford has had limited playing time recently? ?’

“Or if they come up with platitudes like, ‘We thought it was the right decision at the time,’ then they can’t complain if the media and fans come up with their own answers, and then they’re criticized.”

Loose Pass: England replace the All Blacks to “change the game”

Moore asked whether Borthwick’s decision to replace Smith implied the head coach did not trust the Harlequins star to continue playing at that high level throughout the Test.

“Equal to his challengers”

“Smith’s game has gradually improved over the last two years, to the point where his overall game management and defense are now on a par with those of his challengers, whilst retaining the elements of mercuriality which are a point of distinction,” the former hooker wrote.

“What Borthwick’s decision to take him off after just over an hour suggests is that he is not considered an 80-minute player, and this is particularly important given the pivotal position of the opener.

“If this is the case, say so, especially because the player needs to know what deficiencies need to be corrected. If not, how can Smith be an 80-minute test player if he is not selected regularly for a full game and against the best opponents available?

Moore also suggested that while teams can find a winning mentality, the opposite is also true and warned England against falling into a rut.

“Borthwick may wonder about the slim margins in Test rugby and ruminate on the width of a position, but if we are not caught up in the real analysis of these losses, the criticism he receives will continue, even if he considers them ignorant,” he added.

“The best teams are often described as having acquired a winning mentality, in which they maintain psychological confidence in their systems and abilities.

“If this is so, it is also possible to acquire a losing mentality; This is what England must face, and it must do it honestly, even if it does not want to do it publicly. »

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