Borthwick faces up to South Africa in defining test of England’s character | Robert Kitson

A win would resurrect the autumn but a heavy defeat by the world champions could see his team equal an all-time low

Not for the first time in rugby union’s turbulent professional history there is a lot happening. A mooted breakaway global league is the latest curveball threatening to destabilise the sport with even the newly elected chair of World Cup suggesting rugby’s financial sustainability is “at crisis point”. No one, from the top down, can be entirely sure how the medium-term future will pan out.

Much the same, frankly, can be said about England as they prepare to face the double world champions South Africa. A morale-lifting win, by whatever means, would transform an uncertain current narrative and cast their recent string of near misses in a relatively more flattering light. A proper pummelling by a strong Springbok side, on the other hand, could result in them dropping to the equal lowest world ranking in red rose history.

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Borthwick faces up to South Africa in defining test of England’s character | Robert Kitson

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Related

Borthwick’s England face All Blacks test in fixture that still stirs the soul | Robert Kitson

Steve Borthwick’s England must stop hiding and face a few home truths | Robert Kitson

Steve Borthwick opts for continuity but wants fast and furious England | Robert Kitson

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Freddie Steward recalled as England make four changes for South Africa Test

England must turn potential into points in pivotal clash with Australia | Robert Kitson

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