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.

Steve Borthwick's England is struggling to shake off a losing streak, with their latest defeat coming against South Africa, marking a fifth consecutive loss. This ongoing trend highlights the troubling limitations of the team. In a critical moment during the match, England found themselves just inches away from scoring, down by nine points with only 11 minutes left on the clock. Harry Randall made a determined effort to breach the South African defense, taking several strides forward, only to be halted by a tackle. Dan Cole then attempted to push through, reaching the try-line but failing to break free from the South African defenders, who effectively stifled the attack and left him watching as the opportunity slipped away. This match encapsulated a recurring theme for England: the inability to seize crucial moments. Post-match discussions often revolve around the positives—effort, determination, and resilience in the face of adversity. However, the stark reality is that this year has painted a clear picture of the team's shortcomings. With five straight defeats, including three against New Zealand and one each against Australia and South Africa, the latest loss was the most significant in terms of margin. As the team reflects on their performance, the question remains: how can they turn this trend around and develop a winning mentality?

England's mounting errors are proving costly, with South Africa looming on the horizon. Steve Borthwick referred to this squad as a "young, developing" team following their defeat to Australia, but the reality is more complex. As winter approaches, the chill is palpable at Twickenham. This past week, England missed a last-minute kick, but it ultimately had no bearing on the outcome. Despite Marcus Smith remaining on the field, the issues persisted. England faced yet another loss, this time to an Australian side ranked ninth in the world, which had struggled with five defeats in their last six matches prior to this encounter. This defeat stings even more considering England had established a 12-point lead at the end of the first quarter and held a two-point advantage at the end of the fourth quarter.