BORTHWICK EXCITEMENT AT NEW ENGLAND ERA BEGINS
Steve Borthwick is “excited” at leading England for the first time at Twickenham, though the 29-year-old believes that there are plenty of team-mates ready to shoulder the burden of responsibility against the Pacific Islanders on Saturday. The Saracens lock suggested that half-backs Danny Care and Danny Cipriani, who have five caps between them, are born leaders.
And Borthwick, who was named permanent captain by new team manager, Martin Johnson, believes that their opponents – the cream of Tonga, Samoa and Fiji – will prove tougher opponents than many critics believe. This will be the first time that England have faced them, though Borthwick is looking for a winning start to a new epoch in the national team’s history.
On marching his side out at the home of rugby, Borthwick said: “It’s hard to put into words. It is a great privilege to play for England, and then the opportunity to lead out England at Twickenham, our home ground, is almost beyond belief. It is absolutely fantastic and I am excited about the opportunity.
“I will lead the team out but what is important is that we have great players and leaders. We have that in this team; we have those guys who have the leadership skills required. Some players might be young but they are leading their teams. Danny Care, Danny Cipriani and Nick Easter – that axis of eight, nine and ten is hugely important.
“It’s not a concern at all that the half-backs have limited experience at international level. They are the best players in their position now. The way they have trained, the way they have helped organised the England game, and the way they have played when they have had the opportunity to play, they have done exceptionally well. We have to have people willing to step up for the team and they can – we have outstanding leaders.”
The second row, who moved from Bath to his London employers in the summer, continued: “This is a huge challenge for us and it will be an exciting game – they are a formidable side. We are back here at Twickenham, where we have not played for the last few months.
“The main aspect for me is that this is a new England team. There are new faces and we have a new team manager in place and a new attack coach (Brian Smith, the former London Irish coach). It is a very exciting time for us in English rugby.”
Borthwick was named temporary captain for the two-Test series against the All Blacks in the summer, but he insists that England, who were whitewashed in New Zealand, are a new proposition now.
He added: “I believe we have improved as a side and new players have come in. What happened in New Zealand feels like a long time ago. That was the past and what I am concentrating on is the now. We feel as though we have moved on.
“But the onus is always on the players to perform. We all absolutely love playing for our country. I want to make sure that the guys who are playing in their very first game a great day and we start this season in a really positive manner.”
Steve Borthwick is “excited” at leading England for the first time at Twickenham, though the 29-year-old believes that there are plenty of team-mates ready to shoulder the burden of responsibility against the Pacific Islanders on Saturday. The Saracens lock suggested that half-backs Danny Care and Danny Cipriani, who have five caps between them, are born leaders.
And Borthwick, who was named permanent captain by new team manager, Martin Johnson, believes that their opponents – the cream of Tonga, Samoa and Fiji – will prove tougher opponents than many critics believe. This will be the first time that England have faced them, though Borthwick is looking for a winning start to a new epoch in the national team’s history.
On marching his side out at the home of rugby, Borthwick said: “It’s hard to put into words. It is a great privilege to play for England, and then the opportunity to lead out England at Twickenham, our home ground, is almost beyond belief. It is absolutely fantastic and I am excited about the opportunity.
“I will lead the team out but what is important is that we have great players and leaders. We have that in this team; we have those guys who have the leadership skills required. Some players might be young but they are leading their teams. Danny Care, Danny Cipriani and Nick Easter – that axis of eight, nine and ten is hugely important.
“It’s not a concern at all that the half-backs have limited experience at international level. They are the best players in their position now. The way they have trained, the way they have helped organised the England game, and the way they have played when they have had the opportunity to play, they have done exceptionally well. We have to have people willing to step up for the team and they can – we have outstanding leaders.”
The second row, who moved from Bath to his London employers in the summer, continued: “This is a huge challenge for us and it will be an exciting game – they are a formidable side. We are back here at Twickenham, where we have not played for the last few months.
“The main aspect for me is that this is a new England team. There are new faces and we have a new team manager in place and a new attack coach (Brian Smith, the former London Irish coach). It is a very exciting time for us in English rugby.”
Borthwick was named temporary captain for the two-Test series against the All Blacks in the summer, but he insists that England, who were whitewashed in New Zealand, are a new proposition now.
He added: “I believe we have improved as a side and new players have come in. What happened in New Zealand feels like a long time ago. That was the past and what I am concentrating on is the now. We feel as though we have moved on.
“But the onus is always on the players to perform. We all absolutely love playing for our country. I want to make sure that the guys who are playing in their very first game a great day and we start this season in a really positive manner.”
Labels: England, Pacific Islanders, Rugby Football Union, Steve Borthwick
