Steve Borthwick admits England face ‘stark reality’ after thrashing by France

12.03.2023 - 00:43 theguardian.com

Steve Borthwick admitted England’s humiliating record defeat by France was a stark reality check after his side were booed off the pitch at Twickenham following their heaviest ever home loss.

England’s slim hopes of claiming the Six Nations title were blown away by an inspired France, who ran in seven tries in a 53-10 victory.

The record defeat remains a 76-0 humbling by Australia in 1998 but this was their heaviest loss at Twickenham and laid bare how far off the pace England are in their last home competitive match before the World Cup.

Sign up to The Breakdown The latest rugby union news and analysis, plus all the week's action reviewed after newsletter promotion Borthwick said: “No one is under any illusions about what we have to do, we have been upfront about that, and this shows exactly the stark reality.

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