"Liability" - Fans tell Steve Borthwick to drop 75 cap England star

Sunday, 08 February 2026 at 10:02

byRugby Rucker

England fans have called for Ellis Genge to be dropped from the starting XV for next weekend’s Six Nations clash at Murrayfield, following a fiery performance that sparked huge debate online.

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The loosehead prop found himself right at the centre of the storm against Wales after appearing to headbutt an opponent, with the referee opting to award only a penalty rather than showing a card. That decision didn’t go down well with supporters, many of whom questioned both the act itself and the consistency of officiating.

Pressure on Ellis Genge only increased when Borthwick hauled him off at half-time — a move fans saw as a clear warning shot.

One supporter wrote:

“I know players celebrate the good & move on quickly from mistakes etc but someone should have had a word with Genge on the field. He’s becoming a bit of a liability & it’s such a waste of great talent.”

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Another was more blunt:

“Genge is a liability.”

Others praised Borthwick’s ruthless call:

“Borthwick hooking Genge at half time was a strong message of ‘I don’t care how good you are, f*** around and find out’. Becoming a serious international standard coach that bloke!”

Another fan added:

“Borthwick knows how lucky Genge was, that’s why he took him off at half time. 100% should be cited IMO.”

And one supporter likened the decision to elite football management:

“I thought it was shades of Mourinho from Borthwick. I liked it a lot. Genge was a d*** today first with the head butt then sitting on the floor in front of Tomos.”

With Murrayfield looming and discipline under the microscope, Borthwick now faces a big selection call — and fans have made it very clear where they stand.

Five players who flopped in the opening round: 2026 Six Nations

Opening weekend brilliance inevitably brings its flip side. While several stars thrived, others found Round One of the 2026 Six Nations unforgiving.

Whether through tactical exposure, ill-discipline or simply being on the wrong side of momentum, these players endured difficult outings.

Six Nations Round One Results

France 36–14 Ireland
Italy 18–15 Scotland
England 48–7 Wales

Sam Prendergast (Ireland)

A performance that highlighted both promise and peril. With ball in hand, Prendergast showed why Ireland are excited — his willingness to play flat and distribute improved noticeably after half-time.

Defensively, though, France were merciless. The Irish No.10 channel was repeatedly targeted, and his hesitancy in contact became a pressure point that France exploited ruthlessly.

At Test level, defensive fragility isn’t just a weakness — it becomes an invitation.

Finn Russell (Scotland)

A subdued evening in Rome. With Scotland consistently retreating, Russell struggled to impose himself or control territory.

A kick-off straight into touch handed Italy a costly penalty, while a missed conversion later denied Scotland the chance to apply late pressure.

The conditions were brutal and the kick was right on the touchline, but by his own standards this was a disappointing night for Scotland’s chief playmaker.

Dewi Lake (Wales)

Usually Wales’ most dependable forward, Lake endured a first half to forget. Lineout accuracy dipped, a sin-bin spell hurt his side, and a failed tap-and-go squandered a rare attacking opportunity before the break.

He never fully recovered his influence on return, and his outing mirrored a miserable night for the visitors.

Ellis Genge (England)

A high-output performance blunted by ill-discipline. Genge was heavily involved — leading England’s tackle count early and carrying with intent — but too often undermined his own work.

A needless confrontation reversed a penalty, he was later caught offside, and he allowed Wales to milk further infringements.

Even when England were camped on the Welsh line, he was held up over the line. Busy, committed, but disruptive.

Thomas Clarkson (Ireland)

A tough initiation at Test level. Clarkson was pitched straight into battle against a dominant French pack and spent much of the night under pressure. Facing Jean-Baptiste Gros, Ireland struggled to gain any ascendancy at scrum time.

He kept working and never went missing, but the set-piece creaked at key moments and failed to provide a stable platform.

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'Maro makes history' - Records that were SMASHED during the opening round of the 2026 Six Nations