It was another frustrating, jarring defeat for Steve Borthwick's nearly men...
but England can take comfort knowing they have taken great strides in New Zealand, writes CHRIS FOY Borthwick's side suffered a 2-0 series defeat to the All Blacks in New Zealand The All Blacks wrestled back control of the contest after the break at Eden Park By Chris Foy In Auckland Published: 19:08 BST, 14 July 2024 | Updated: 19:08 BST, 14 July 2024 e-mail View comments Before heading to the airport for their 12,000-mile journey home, England ’s tour party took a ferry to Waiheke Island to enjoy lunch overlooking the Hauraki Gulf and sing a few songs. After being on the go for 13 months, it was a deserved opportunity to relax and unwind together, come to terms with another frustrating, jarring defeat and reflect on everything they have been through in the course of a marathon season. It didn’t end how they wanted it to, but given where they were last summer, England could take comfort from the sense that they are on the up.
So much has happened during a campaign which begun last June, when Steve Borthwick named his training squad for the World Cup. Not long after that, the national team appeared to be in a state of disarray following another two-wins-from five return in the Six Nations . They lost at home to Fiji, which wasn’t an ideal send-off for the global showpiece, amid grave concerns about their physical condition and their defence in particular.
So much has happened during a campaig.