Former England rugby stars Ugo Monye and Courtney Lawes found themselves in a tense on-air debate, with Monye taking issue with Lawes’ defense of the team’s recent performances.
The heated exchange followed England’s 29-20 defeat to South Africa at Allianz Stadium, a loss that extended their dire run to five straight matches.
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Steve Borthwick: “These Are Painful Days”
Head coach Steve Borthwick admitted, “These are painful days,” as England’s struggles deepened. The team had started well but fell apart, unable to hold a lead, with Cheslin Kolbe’s second-half try sealing the world champions’ victory. Reflecting on England’s missed chances, Borthwick noted, “We failed to take our opportunities.”
This latest loss adds to a rough year, which included a 2-0 series whitewash in New Zealand and autumn defeats by the All Blacks and Australia. Despite the mounting pressure, Borthwick insisted his side still had time to improve.
Courtney Lawes: “It’s Too Early to Call It a Crisis”
Lawes tried to stay positive: “It’s too early in the year to be a crisis, we’ve got time,” he said. “It’s always a build-up to the World Cup… But this is the start of a new campaign, and we’ve got to give them a chance.”
Ugo Monye: “It’s Not Far Off a Crisis”
Monye wasn’t convinced, sharply disagreeing with Lawes. “It’s not far off a crisis, Courtney. We’re going to end up in the Autumn Nations with one win out of four, that’s awful,” Monye argued. “When we look at the end of this year, we would’ve won four out of 10 matches. For a team that wants to win a World Cup… this is so sub-standard from where we expect our team to be.”
Lawes Admits: “We’re Not Cohesive Enough”
Lawes, visibly flustered, admitted England’s lack of cohesion. “Ultimately, we’re not cohesive enough as a team,” he said. “We’re not cohesive in defence, we’re not cohesive in attack… All they can do is get back up, get back to training next week, and try and take a step forward.”
But Monye pressed harder, questioning the lack of progress under Borthwick. “You say it needs time, I’m very surprised. How much time? It’s been two years. We’re not getting enough out of our players,” Monye insisted. “We’re seeing players who are tearing it up for their clubs come into camp with great form… but for whatever reason, we’re not able to reach the potential ceiling that we would expect from this team.”
Fans Back Monye
Fans threw their support behind Monye. One commented, “Lawes talking bull****. Fair play Ugo Monye,” while another added, “Spot on Ugo. Lawes was talking crap.” With England’s form spiraling, the debate over their World Cup chances only grows louder.
Editors picks:
- Sir Clive Woodward slams England players behaviour after fifth straight loss
- Springboks Employ Controversial Tactic England Faced Criticism For Using
- RFU have already made Final Call on Sacking England Boss Steve Borthwick
- Bookies Favourites to Replace Under-Fire Steve Borthwick – Including Two Former England Bosses
- Fans turn on captain George after interview following latest defeat
Five England players Steve Borthwick should drop – and who should replace them
RUCK’s Autumn Nations Series coverage is proudly powered by the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, dedicated to creating a world free of MND. Join the the fight against MND here.
Here’s how each player fared, with ratings from multiple outlets:
#1. Freddie Steward – High Ball Hero, Defensive Zero?
Average Rating: 4.75/10
- Evening Standard (5/10):
“Handed a first start this autumn due to his ability under the high ball, but struggled. Williams and Kolbe skinned him for their tries.” - Telegraph (5/10):
“Definition of sublime and ridiculous. Left clutching thin air for both Grant Williams’ and Cheslin Kolbe’s tries and at one stage did a face plant. Also some brilliant high-ball takes.” - Express (4/10):
“At fault for tries by Kolbe and Williams as he endured a difficult return to starting line-up.” - Rugby Pass (5/10):
“Exposed defensively for two tries, despite strong aerial work.”
Replacement: George Furbank – He shouldn’t have been dropped in the first place.
#2. Ellis Genge – The Genge Rollercoaster
Average Rating: 4.5/10
- Evening Standard (5/10):
“Let Williams slip past him as the scrum-half went over for South Africa’s opening try. Improved after that, though, and was bright in the loose – but not at his best.” - Express (4/10):
“Scrum problems in first half, usual full-blooded commitment for an hour.”
Replacement: Fin Baxter – Genge’s leadership was strong, but a change may be needed in the tighthead role.
#3. Ollie Lawrence – Hits, Misses, and a Bit More of the Same
Average Rating: 5/10
- Telegraph (5/10):
“Barely used as a ball-carrier again. Put one huge hit on Manie Libbok but also wasted a good attacking opportunity with a needless kick. Disappointing.” - Planet Rugby (5/10):
“Solid in attack but caught out in defense, continuing the trend of inconsistency.” - Express (5/10):
“Hit hard and carried hard, but in this fixture that is a minimum requirement.”
Replacement: Alex Lozowski – Needs to step in to provide more stability and spark in attack.
#4. Will Stuart – Scrum Woes and Penalty Troubles
Average Rating: 4.5/10
- Telegraph (4/10):
“Difficult to overlook the succession of three penalties, even if the third seemed harsh. Did get one back at the scrum in the second half.” - Express (5/10):
“England again unable to build any sort of attacking platform from their scrum against the mighty Boks.”
Replacement: Dan Cole – Still England’s best tighthead.
#5. Jack van Poortvliet – Struggling to Find His Rhythm
Average Rating: 4.5/10
- Evening Standard (5/10):
“Shaky at times and repeatedly had his box-kicks charged down.” - Planet Rugby (5/10):
“Never fully recovered from a shaky start, with multiple box kicks charged down by du Toit and Etzebeth.” - Express (3/10):
“First start in a long while and it showed. Repeatedly charged down at the base.” - Telegraph (5/10):
“Etzebeth made him his bunny, charging him down twice in a hesitant early performance.”
Replacement: Ben Spencer – Should’ve been given more game time from the start.
