It was billed as must‑win. After sobering defeats to Scotland and Ireland, England and head coach Steve Borthwick could ill afford another setback. Yet on a seismic Saturday of Six Nations rugby, Italy delivered exactly that, producing a result that was once unthinkable.
Wholesale changes were made to the England team after the 42-21 defeat to Ireland, but when Borthwick needed a response his squad hit rock bottom in Rome, losing 23-18. It was England’s first defeat to Italy in 33 internationals and their third loss in this year’s championship, leaving them staring at their worst Six Nations finish. With the campaign concluding against title‑chasing France in Paris, Borthwick’s position is as precarious as it has been.
“[The conversation about Borthwick’s future] has to start now,” former England international Ugo Monye said. “You look at the last couple of weeks. He gave faith to players before the loss to Ireland – then he rang a load of changes, and that didn’t work. You look at the teams in the Six Nations. France are top. Scotland are getting better. Italy are getting better. Wales are getting better. England are on the slide. How do you arrest it? It’s only ever one of two things: the players or the coach. At the moment, I don’t think the potential of the players is being met by the vision of the coach.”
Borthwick has seen the progress of a year‑long, 12‑Test winning streak erased in the blink of an eye. If England fail to halt France’s title charge in Paris, his tenure could follow suit.
Italy, by contrast, are riding an upward curve. The Azzurri now have a shot at finishing outside the bottom two for the first time since 2013 and only the third time since joining the Six Nations in 2000. A win over Wales, or England failing to beat France, would secure that outcome. Wing Louis Lynagh said the tournament‑opening win over Scotland — in a rain‑soaked Rome — gave his side the belief to produce results like the victory over England.
Yes, England were down to 13 at one stage after two sin‑binnings, but Italy were skilful in attack and resolute in defence. Centre Tommaso Menoncello was pivotal, involved in a dazzling pair of tries, and Lynagh hailed his team as possessing a touch of “stardust.” Head coach Gonzalo Quesada, whose CV includes time working in French rugby, has infused aspects of that experience into Italy’s style. They are not yet at France’s level, but their trajectory is clear.
Earlier on the same day, Scotland produced a flamboyant statement of their own, running riot in a 50-40 win over France at Murrayfield. Twelve tries and ninety points made for one of the great Six Nations spectacles. Scotland scored seven tries to dismantle Les Bleus, shattering France’s Grand Slam hopes and tightening the title race: France remain top but are now only separated from Scotland by points difference.
France still hold the power to decide the championship at the Stade de France: a win over England in the final round would secure the title. Scotland, meanwhile, head to Dublin to face an in‑form Ireland; a win there would keep them very much in contention. Ireland sit two points behind the leaders and can still influence the outcome.
While England are out of title contention, they have more than pride to play for. Should basement side Wales secure a bonus‑point win against Italy, and England suffer a heavy defeat to France, Borthwick’s men could even finish bottom and pick up the wooden spoon for the first time. With one match left and so much still to play for, the Six Nations is set for a breath‑taking final act.