What music is Steve Borthwick listening to at the moment? Looking down England’s team sheet it could just be that Oasis are back on his playlist. “Because maybe, you’re gonna be the one that saves me. And after all, you’re my wonderwall.” Given the pace at which bad news is multiplying, though, the most appropriate soundtrack for English rugby is currently anything by Blur.
So much for settled squads, clarity and leisurely fine-tuning. Borthwick is the most organised of men but when it was put to him on Thursday that he must be on Plan K or L by now he did not dispute it. With his captain and only specialist No 8 both suspended, his most athletic winger now a non-starter, further injuries wrecking his back-three options and the faith of supporters fast dissolving, England’s road to next month’s World Cup buildup could hardly be more potholed.
