Borthwick criticism was dig at Eddie – Marler

JOE Marler has backed Steve Borthwick over his forthright condemnation of England’s Calcutta Cup flops.

But even the gnarly Harlequins prop was surprised by how “honest” and direct the new head coach was in his summing up of where the team is in its development following his first game in charge.

Borthwick’s claim that the team “weren’t good at anything” was according to Marler a “passing dig” at Eddie Jones, the man he took the reins from.

England veteran Marler said: “Losing to Scotland is always very disappointing, especially at Twickenham, but Borthwick is still trying to get to grips with the job.

“It’s a new era in English rugby and there were some positives. You have to take it week by week with this new set-up and the different brand of rugby they want to try and play. He is trying to build for the World Cup and beyond so the road ahead is a long one.

“He’s come out and said the England team in the Autumn weren’t good at anything. They weren’t good at any facet of the game and he has a big job on his hands. It was a bit of a passing dig at his old boss, who he worked under for eight years. But it was very honest.

“In some ways he was right. The scrum was the worst in tier one rugby last year, and there were some improvements in that area last weekend. The attack is starting to look a bit quicker. Marcus (Smith) and Owen (Farrell) were beginning to click a bit better, but it is still very early days and there’s plenty of room for improvement.”

Marler insists England can expect a tough challenge when Italy arrive at Twickenham today.

Kieran Crowley’s side rocked Wales to the core by upsetting them in Cardiff a year ago, and Marler says: “Italy is huge game now and they could give England a few things to think about. I expect England to win comfortably still but it is good for the Six Nations to have an Italian side able to hold its own.”