Steve Borthwick's squad is said to be growing increasingly frustrated with their training regime, amplifying the pressure on the England boss in the lead-up to their forthcoming encounter with Ireland next weekend.
RUCK’s 2024 Guinness Six Nations content
Following a stark display in Edinburgh where England were convincingly outplayed, they now find themselves tasked with preparing to confront an Ireland side that has emerged as a standout force in the Six Nations tournament.
Having delivered a stellar performance by dismantling Wales with a commanding 31-7 victory on home soil in Dublin, Ireland now braces for a meeting with a side they have managed to keep at bay for a duration spanning three-and-a-half years.
What are the latest odds?
- England to win 4/1
- Ireland to win 1/6
- Draw 33/1
Odds correct as of February 27
Making things tougher for England is the growing frustration behind the scenes as England's misfiring attack continues to be neglected in training.
Their article began: "England’s misfiring attack is not being prioritised in training with Telegraph Sport learning that one prominent back touched the ball just once in a particular session."
It continued: "There is growing frustration within parts of the camp that far more time is devoted to building the hyper-aggressive blitz defence under Felix Jones than honing the attack under Richard Wigglesworth. That lack of focus stands in stark contrast to how the most innovative attacks in the Premiership operate.
"Under Sam Vesty at Northampton, every player would be expected to have 150 ‘touches’ of a variety of different balls per session. Similarly at Bath, for example, backs would be expected to pass the ball at least 100 times each and forwards 50 times. Several sources confirmed that one English back, who has featured in the tournament, only got one touch during a session."
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ODDS: Who could replace Steve Borthwick at Twickenham?
4. Rob Baxter - 12/1
Rob Baxter, who guided the Devon-based club from the Championship to European champions in 10 years has done this largely with a core of players that have come through the academy at Exeter.
With this season's club performance not at the level of previous years, it may be time for him to move on and into the Test game in the near futuree.
Although Baxter joined the England coaching team for the summer tour to Argentina and Uruguay in March 2013, he has no experience outside of Exeter. "I would be happy to have a chat about what the role is, how they see it working and what their plans and ambitions are," Baxter said of the England job back in December.
"Unless you know what it is, it's hard to say yes or no to anything. At the same time, I'm not looking for another job! I'm very happy here," he added.
Rob Baxter, Director of Rugby of Exeter Chiefs looks dejected after losing during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Bristol Bears and Exeter Chiefs at Ashton Gate on 20 May. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
3. Andy Farrell - 10/1
Despite having signed a contract extension until 2025, Andy Farrell would likely be at the top of the list for the RFU if they were to make another coaching change, regardless of how well Ireland performs during the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Currently, one of the coaches England would be most interested in having is Farrell, who is achieving impressive results and playing styles across the Irish Sea.
However, whether or not Farrell would want to return to the RFU, where he was previously the defence coach between 2011 and 2015 under Stuart Lancaster - who is currently working in Ireland with Leinster - and left under a cloud after England's disappointing 2015 home World Cup, is another matter altogether.
Andy Farrell, Head Coach of Ireland is interviewed during the 2023 Guinness Six Nations Media Launch at County Hall, Lambeth, London on Monday 23rd January 2023 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.
2. Ronan O'Gara - 6/1
The La Rochelle coach was seen as one of the front-runners to replace Eddie Jones when he was sacked in December.
O’Gara has previously said he would be interested in the job because of the calibre of players available, but when linked to the job he admitted it would be a 'big leap'.
"There’s a lot to that, being the head man it’s very much your vision. Even two people who are very aligned sometimes don’t have the same vision.
“Then again, titles don’t really interest me too much and it’s just what role Scott would like to do, I would like to do and how you share responsibility.
“Even before that, it’s a big mental leap for me to decide upon.
“I wouldn’t have given that the time required, at the minute all I’ve said is that I wouldn’t rule it out, but if you were to commit to something like that I’d have to sit down with my family and work it out."
1. Stuart Lancaster was 4/1, now 2/1
The former England boss, who has seen his reputation go through the roof since the disastrous 2015 World Cup, will leave Leinster to become director of rugby at French club Racing 92 at the end of this season.
Lancaster has been Irish province's senior coach since 2016, working under head coach Leo Cullen, while he spent four years as England boss before stepping down after in 2015.
During his time with Leinster, the Irish province won the Heineken Champions Cup in 2018 and four PRO14 titles.
The former England boss revealed he could be interested in a return to England.
“If you ask my wife, she might question my sanity if I said yes. There are probably other parts of the world I would love to coach in as well. The southern hemisphere would be a big challenge for me. I’d love to go and coach in Super Rugby in some way shape or form or international rugby down in the southern hemisphere.
“So, you’d never say never but I think it’s not top of the list and certainly, I think Steve Borthwick will keep the job until 2027. I’m committed here (at Racing) until 2027 so let’s see.
“I don’t think you should never say never. I don’t think you should ever be so hurt or so damaged that you could never go back somewhere. If the political will is there and the time is right, I’d hate to be so hurt or angry about certain things that would stop me from doing certain things. I don’t want to be that kind of person.”
Will Greenwood believes Lancaster deserves to have a second crack at the England job one day.
“I honestly believe he would be better a second time around," said Greenwood.
“Failure is a vital part of success. Sir Clive Woodward probably would have lost his job in today’s climate after what happened in 1999 but he came back to win four years later. Graham Henry won the 2011 World Cup after being given another chance.
“Would Stuart want to come back? That is another question entirely.
“I haven’t asked him but I suspect the answer is yes. Stuart may be unassuming and softly-spoken but he is also a competitive animal. And a proud man.
“I say this as a friend but he always looks good, if you know what I mean. He is a bloke who looks after himself physically. And he backs himself.”
