Steve Borthwick is not a coach who makes statements or grand gestures for the sake of it. He is always someone who leads with his actions rather than his words. But his team selection against France gives off a clear message. It is an acknowledgment that the game we have seen England developing in this Six Nations is not enough to win a World Cup.
It is not enough, either, to beat the teams ranked second and first in the world. A solid set piece, a solid defence and kicking gameplan is all well and good. But that does not cut it against the best in the world, and that is what England face over the next two weeks. And while Borthwick is not one to play to the crowds, he also has the courage of his convictions – he has not shied away from big calls because of fear over how they will be perceived.
