At the half-time break, TV cameras captured a lively exchange of words between Ireland’s head coach, Andy Farrell, and his English counterpart, Steve Borthwick.
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Farrell later injected humour into the situation, stating, “I just said, ‘how are you doing Steve? Nice to see you again.'”
Borthwick downplayed the incident in his post-match press conference, affirming, “[Everything is] absolutely fine. Andy and I have known each other for a long time, we played alongside each other for England. We go back a long way.”
Acknowledging Farrell’s achievements with the Ireland team, Borthwick continued, “What he has done with that Ireland team is just incredible, very special. They are an incredible team. I thought today was a very special test match.”
Addressing the nature of their relationship, Borthwick clarified, “Andy and I…I know people want to read into things like that [but] I think Andy and I have a very good relationship, we were co-captains together at Saracens as players.
“We coached together with the Lions in 2017. I have incredible respect for him and what he has done with that team.”
“Wretched” – Three players Steve Borthwick should drop – and who should replace them for France
Despite the triumph, there’s speculation that Borthwick might opt for three changes ahead of England’s Six Nations finale in Paris next weekend.
#1. George Ford
Telegraph 5/10: “Beautiful with ball in hand, wretched with the boot. Missing seven points felt crucial and kicking from hand was also not on the money.”
RUCK 6.5/10: “A frustrating day personally for Ford, yet he would be delighted to see his side turn the fortunes around in the second half. Had his drop gaol attempt charged down and missed the 30th min pen from the Ireland 10m line. Ford was offside along with Ollie Chessum at 38 minutes, as England worked tirelessly to clear their lines. Missed another conversion after Furbank’s try, as Owen Farrell watched on in the Twickenham stands.”
Rugby World 5/10: “Put some nice width on the ball, particularly with the miss passes to a rampaging Ellis Genge in midfield. However, he was guilty of missing a very kickable penalty attempt in the first half and also had a drop goal charged down. Mixed bag.”
Replacement: Marcus Smith
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