Maro Itoje praises Steve Borthwick after England's victory over Australia
The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Nov 8, 2026, 9:15 PM
Last updated Nov 8, 2026

England defeated Australia 45-22 in the Nations Championship at Allianz Stadium on Sunday. Captain Maro Itoje expressed his delight at the win and reiterated the squad's support for head coach Steve Borthwick, whom he described as a “world-class coach.” Despite reported issues within the camp over the summer, Borthwick received encouragement from former coaches ahead of the match, resulting in England scoring seven tries and achieving a record number of points against the Wallabies. This victory marks only England's third win in their last eight matches.
- •England scores seven tries against Australia
- •Match held at Allianz Stadium on November 8
- •Itoje expresses full support for Borthwick
- •England only registers third win in last eight
- •Borthwick receives pre-game encouragement from former coaches
- 9:15 PMThe Guardian Sport — ‘Lucky to have him’: Maro Itoje backs Borthwick after England triumph
"‘I’m delighted we got the win. He’s a world-class coach’ England beat Australia 45-22 in Nations Championship Maro Itoje, the England captain, has reiterated his squad’s full support for the head coach, Steve Borthwick, after the home side’s resounding 45-22 victory against Australia at Allianz Stadium on Sunday. Itoje described Borthwick as “a world‑class coach” and said England were “lucky to have him” despite fresh media reports of unhappiness in the camp this summer. Borthwick also revealed he had received several pre-game messages from former England coaches urging him to ignore external criticism and to concentrate on the rugby. His team certainly succeeded in that regard, scoring seven tries to rack up a record number of points against the Wallabies and register only their third win in their past eight games. Continue reading...
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