‘They can’t wait to get stuck in’ – England determined to deliver in Rugby World Cup opener

England head coach Steve Borthwick insists there is a “real determination” in his playing group to prove their doubters wrong at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

The Red Rose desperately need a reaction to their recent poor performances when they take on Argentina in their opening Pool D clash at Stade de Marseille.

Los Pumas are favourites to come out on top this weekend and their hopes have been helped by their win over England at Twickenham in November 2022.

Poor run of form

England in contrast are struggling right now following a run of five losses in six Tests which has led many to discount them as Rugby World Cup challengers.

However, Borthwick is backing his troops to respond and silence their critics at the global tournament, starting with a tough opening game against Argentina.

“I sense there is a feeling among the players they have been written off too early. People have called time on them a bit too early,” the head coach stressed.

“I sense the frustration about what people have been saying about them and right now I have an expectation that they will go and perform with the quality that they have.

“I sense from them that there’s a real determination to go and put their best performances on the park.

“There is a lot of class in this squad. The players have a hell of a lot more to go. They can’t wait to get stuck in on Saturday night.

“Our job is put in a performance that this team is capable of and I know these players are capable of. I know these players are determined to deliver on Saturday night. That’s our job now.”

That view was echoed by captain Courtney Lawes, who will lead the side on Saturday in the absence of Owen Farrell and admitted their recent form irks them.

All guns blazing

“There’s definitely a frustration. We feel it as much as anybody,” he said.

“We are in the thick of it and we are doing everything we can to make sure, come this weekend, we are firing on all cylinders.

“It’s going to be a hell of a spectacle, so enjoy it. We are going out all guns blazing and we are going to give it everything we have got.

“It’s the first game of the World Cup and we’re going to be well up for it.”

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