Nigerian-heritage captain Maro Itoje called Steve Borthwick 'world-class' after England put seven tries past Australia in a 45-22 statement win.
Maro Itoje, the England captain with proud Nigerian roots, led from the front on Sunday as England thrashed Australia 45-22 at Allianz Stadium. Afterwards he threw his full weight behind head coach Steve Borthwick, calling him "a world-class coach" and insisting England are "lucky to have him."
The endorsement mattered because of the noise around the camp. Fresh reports this summer suggested unhappiness inside the squad, and Itoje used his post-match platform to shut that talk down and present a united dressing room.
Borthwick said he had received messages before kick-off from several former England coaches. Their advice was to tune out the criticism and focus on the rugby. His players did exactly that.
England crossed for seven tries and ran up their highest ever points total against the Wallabies. It was also only their third win in their last eight outings, so the result brings real relief as well as a statement. For Itoje and Borthwick, it is a timely answer to the doubters in this Nations Championship.
