Steve Borthwick has been left frustrated by England’s results this autumn - but he remains convinced they are moving in the “right direction”.
England concluded their Autumn Nations Series on Sunday afternoon by thumping Japan at Allianz Stadium.
Borthwick’s side ran in nine tries on their way to a 59-14 victory, which ended a run of five straight defeats.
England endured painful losses during that winless run, narrowly suffering defeat to Australia and New Zealand earlier this month, but Borthwick believes they are making progress.
“I think the obvious overriding feeling for reflection would be one of frustration,” said Borthwick.
“To have come so close to getting the results, but not actually being able to convert them, I think that in the first three weeks that will be one emotion.
“I think the other aspect will be real positivity around some of the aspects we have seen with the team’s play.
“I want the team to be brave with the ball, I want them to be fast. I think we have seen growth in that area over the last four weeks.
“The players have been working exceptionally hard at developing on our game. They work hard at the fundamental skills.
“What’s really important in international rugby is that cohesion and relationship amongst the players. I think that has developed over the last number of weeks and I think we started seeing bits of that in each game. I think we saw more of it today.
“Year two has been building a new team, with a new profile of player, and a new way of playing. We always want more and we will push on in the new year.
“This coaching team and I feel very positive about going forward, we made some changes and I feel we have done well in a short space of time.
“We are disappointed with some of the results but we are moving in the right direction. The average age [of the team] is 25, we have come close on a number of occasions, and I sense the players are wanting to convert that.”
