Jamie George and Maro Itoje call a crisis meeting as England's leaders vow to back Steve Borthwick ahead of Australia.
England's senior players have closed ranks behind head coach Steve Borthwick, rejecting claims that the camp was toxic over the summer and promising to "fight to protect" him when the autumn campaign opens against Australia on Sunday.
Jamie George, who led the side in all three summer Tests, and returning captain Maro Itoje called the squad together on Friday morning. The agenda was a newspaper report painting a picture of players frustrated with Borthwick's man management.
The report alleged that prop Ellis Genge clashed with the coach, and that senior figures pushed for clear-the-air talks. It also claimed they wanted RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney in the room. Sweeney had only days earlier given Borthwick his unequivocal backing to stay in the job through to next year's World Cup.
The leadership group insists the picture is overblown. George argued that the scrutiny and criticism will bring out the best in the team rather than split it.
The timing leaves England little room for error. With pressure on the coach and questions swirling around the squad, a strong, united performance against the Wallabies would go a long way toward shutting down the noise.
