RFU backs Borthwick but flags multiple Six Nations failings

Head coach Steve Borthwick has been backed to turn around England's form after a Rugby Football Union review blamed a lack of discipline, accuracy and cutting edge, among other factors, for a dismal Six Nations campaign. England's only victory was an opening-round rout of Wales, who would go on to finish bottom of the table. Defeats in their other four games constituted England's worst performance since the tournament's expansion from the Five Nations in 2000. "This has been a thorough and honest review, and it is clear that improvement will come from addressing several areas rather than chasing one simple answer," said RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney. "This is a young England team that is still growing and developing, and we understand progress in international sport is rarely linear. "Steve has engaged in this process with full openness and has clear plans in place to address these findings. "We are all behind him and his coaching team going into the Nations Championship and the series of matches leading into Rugby World Cup 2027." A dissection of England's performance, carried out by an unnamed panel of rugby figures who interview coaches and players, is standard practice after a Six Nations campaign. However Sweeney previously admitted that this year's would have to delve deeper into an "unusual outcome". The RFU says "performance confidentiality in a competitive sporting environment" prevents them revealing full details of England's shortcomings. …