Steve Borthwick makes his feelings clear on Marcus Smith with latest statement

Despite the loss, Borthwick remained optimistic about the team's chances in the series finale in Auckland on Saturday.

"In the changing room, you could sense the disappointment among the players because we set out to win," Borthwick said.

"There was pride in the effort, but also frustration. Marcus produced some moments of magic out there today. We can talk about mistakes, but everyone makes them, and Marcus also produced magic on that pitch."

Reflecting on the team's overall performance, Borthwick added, "There wasn’t much in it. There were two tries apiece and the margins were very fine.

"That second half turned into a proper arm-wrestle in the middle of the pitch. It was a real battle, and we will review it thoroughly to work out how we can be better next week."

"The effort of the players was magnificent. There will be areas to improve upon, and we will look closely at them."

George Furbank (Northampton Saints, 11 caps)

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs, 5 caps)

Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 64 caps) – vice-captain

Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby, 26 caps)

Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, 10 caps)

Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 34 caps)

Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, 17 caps)

Fin Baxter (Harlequins, 1 cap)

Jamie George (Saracens, 92 caps) – captain   

Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 40 caps)

Maro Itoje (Saracens, 83 caps) – vice-captain

George Martin (Leicester Tigers, 14 caps)

Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins, 6 caps)

Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 37 caps)

Ben Earl (Saracens, 32 caps) – vice-captain

10. Owen Farrell - £1.46 million ($2 million)
Saracens are making waves in the Premiership, and Owen Farrell, their skipper, is reaping the rewards. The bulk of his net worth, a cool £1.46 million, flows directly from his dedication to Saracens.

9. Maro Itoje - £1.46 million ($2 million)
Teammate to Farrell both at England and Saracens, Maro Itoje is on a trajectory to become one of rugby's highest earners. His salary, comparable to the national skipper's, showcases his potential.

8. Charles Piutau - £1.85 million ($2.5 million)
Former All Blacks player Charles Piutau's move to Bristol Bears came with an eyewatering salary. The club's investment in him during his five seasons speaks volumes about his impact.

7. Handré Pollard - £1.94 million ($2.7 million)
The lone South African in the top ten, Handré Pollard, made his mark when he left the Bulls for Montpellier. Rumored to be earning around R15 million per season at Leicester Tigers, Pollard is a financial force.

6. Beau Ryan - £7.72 million ($10 million)
Transitioning from Rugby League to a TV Presenter, Beau Ryan's career has been highly lucrative. With rumors swirling around a net worth close to R200 million, Ryan's financial success is no joke.

5. Mike Tindall - £9.98 million ($13 million)
A member of the 2003 Rugby World Cup-winning squad, Mike Tindall has had his fair share of off-field challenges. Despite legal troubles, his net worth stands at an impressive £9.98 million.

4. Jonny Wilkinson - £20.9 million ($29 million)
Jonny Wilkinson's iconic Rugby World Cup-winning drop goal in 2003 has translated into substantial wealth. As the second-richest Rugby World Cup winner, Wilkinson's financial success is a testament to his on-field brilliance.

3. Sonny Bill Williams - £21.8 million ($30 million)
A dual-sport star in Union and League, Sonny Bill Williams, made waves in endorsements and earned well during his stint in France. His net worth stands at an impressive £21.8 million.

2. Sir Bill Gammell - £38.8 million ($50 million)
Former Scottish rugby player turned businessman, Sir Bill Gammell, is a knight, philanthropist, and a friend to political leaders. With a net worth exceeding £38.8 million, Gammell is poised for success even beyond the rugby pitch.

1. Simon McDowell - £39.3 million ($54 million)
Refereeing at two Rugby World Cups, Simon McDowell's journey from player to referee has been financially rewarding. His net worth, driven primarily by his chemical company Kilwaughter, exceeds an impressive £39.3 million.

You have five minutes to name every club to have played in the Gallagher Premiership, all 28 of them, since the division was established back in 1987.

It’s more difficult than it sounds.

Good luck, and let us know how you do