England full-back Freddie Steward has defended under-fire head coach Steve Borthwick and said it’s the players who should be blamed for the defeat to South Africa. The Red Roses lost a fifth consecutive Test match as they went down 29-20 at Allianz Stadium, prompting speculation over Borthwick’s position.

In a frustrating month for the England senior side, a 38-17 win for the A team over their Australian counterparts will have offered some positivity. It may also have provided a window into the future,

Small signs of progress have been shown by England this November but Borthwick is under pressure after five consecutive defeats