England's victory over an inexperienced Japan side offers little solace for head coach Steve Borthwick after a disappointing autumn filled with near misses. As the year comes to a close, one has to wonder what the best outcome could have been for England in their final Test. Perhaps a win like this was the most they could hope for, but it feels like a game they were destined to lose. Throughout this autumn, it has been all too easy to declare a crisis for England, especially as their losing streak extended. However, it’s worth noting that with just a few minor adjustments, the narrative could have been significantly different. A missed opportunity at the end of the match against the All Blacks or a late twist in the game against Australia could have turned this campaign into something more positive. Ultimately, while the win against Japan may provide a temporary lift, it does little to mask the challenges that lie ahead for Borthwick and his team.

**Andy Robinson: ‘Yes, there have been a few high-profile sackings, but it’s all about small margins’** Former England and Scotland coach Andy Robinson is back at Bath, where his coaching journey began, and his competitive spirit remains as strong as ever as Bristol prepares to visit. Few people are as well-equipped to discuss the ups and downs of high-level coaching as Robinson. Two decades ago, he was appointed as England’s head coach, already boasting a World Cup winners’ medal and an OBE. The past twenty years have shown that success in sports hinges on timing and resilience, not just on talent and resources. Sitting across from me in a café in downtown Bath, Robinson reflects on his extensive career. He has experienced the highs and lows of coaching, having been appointed and dismissed from three international roles with England, Scotland, and Romania. He has also led two prestigious clubs, Bath and Bristol, yet his passion for the game remains undiminished. At 60 years old, he sips his black coffee, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. As he prepares for Saturday’s West Country derby—a rivalry that has spanned 136 years—he recalls with pride that he has never lost a league or cup match against Bristol, whether as a player or a coach.