England maintain their focus
Captain Steve Borthwick insists England's preparations for the second Test against New Zealand would not be derailed by allegations made against four members of the squad.
Captain Steve Borthwick insists England's preparations for the second Test against New Zealand would not be derailed by allegations made against four members of the squad.
Auckland police are investigating an incident alleged to have occurred in a private room at the team's Hilton hotel in the early hours of last Sunday morning after England's 37-20 defeat to the All Blacks.
The allegation – details of which have not been made public – was made to the Auckland police that evening but no formal complaint has yet been submitted to the authorities.
England's elite rugby director Rob Andrew confirmed the team management, now in Christchurch, are co-operating with police over the matter.
The incident has placed the behaviour of the England team under close scrutiny but Borthwick is confident preparations for Saturday's clash with the All Blacks are on track.
“When you have got a game against the All Blacks at the weekend the focus is very clear,” said Borthwick, when asked how difficult it has been for him and the team to maintain focus on the game.
“Our preparations have gone well. As soon as we started training on Monday we were very clear on what we needed to do to improve performance from last weekend and ensure we get a better result.”
Borthwick said he does not feel he has been let down as captain in any way since Saturday.
He explained morale in the squad was still high and that England are a “tight group”.
Asked whether he was comfortable all the players are taking their rugby responsibilities as seriously as they should given reports they were out late after the game Borthwick said that was up to Andrew.
“That is specifically a question for Rob. I am very happy with the players' preparations this week,” said the England skipper.
“The players have worked tremendously hard in training. We will provide a better performance and a better account of ourselves this weekend.
“As for anything else, ask Rob.”
Andrew issued a brief statement earlier confirming the players concerned “have the complete support of all the players and the management”.
He would not comment any further, nor would the England team's travelling lawyer Richard Smith QC.
The Auckland police were also keeping silent on the nature of the allegation and the identity of the players.
They issued a brief statement which confirmed the location and approximate time of the alleged incident and added that “investigating officers are receiving the appropriate level of co-operation from the England rugby team management”.