Steve Borthwick, the head coach of the England rugby team, has expressed concerns about the fitness levels of his players following their recent defeat to South Africa, which has added to their ongoing losing streak. Borthwick suggested that the players were not adequately prepared for the demands of Test rugby as they entered their autumn internationals. His comments may hint at the impact of Aled Walters' departure from the coaching staff, as Borthwick indicated that the players' physical condition was not up to the required standards at the beginning of the month. This statement could potentially provoke backlash from Premiership clubs, as it implies a lack of fitness among players who are also contracted to those teams. Despite the challenging circumstances, Borthwick does not believe that his position as head coach is in jeopardy. Meanwhile, Freddie Steward, a member of the England squad, has stated that the players themselves should take responsibility for the team's performance.