Steve Borthwick’s role as England head coach is under intense scrutiny following a last-minute 42-37 loss to Australia at the Allianz Stadium, marking England’s second consecutive failure to achieve a winning position.

Max Jorgensen scored three minutes into extra time to seal a barely believable victory for Joe Schmidt’s Australia. Marcus Smith had appeared to orchestrate a comeback for Steve Borthwick’s side, gifting Ollie Sleightholme two tries. Maro Itoje then scored in the 77th minute, appearing to clinch a victory for England after Andrew Kellaway’s breakaway try for the Wallabies. Yet as the match entered its 83rd minute, Australia created one last chance and Jorgensen scored, assisted by rugby league star Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i in an impressive Union debut.

Last week’s defeat against All black people has raised concerns, but England’s repeated failure to finish matches has intensified calls for answers as fans and pundits question Borthwick’s leadership.

Wallaby scrum-half Jake Gordon and tackle Will Skelton presser

Wallaby scrum-half Jake Gordon and tackle Will Skelton presser

England fans took to social media to express their frustrations. Former England international Andy Goode wrote: “Wow, what a finish from the Wallabies, fully deserving of this victory. Defensively, England were all over the store at times. Big questions for Steve Borthwick to respond as one of the best defensive coaches in the world is gone.

His remark reflected the widespread dissatisfaction among some supporters with England’s defensive weaknesses and their disconcerting inability to finish matches.

Indeed, criticism went beyond Borthwick’s strategy as Mana Rugby suggested a change of direction saying: “If England lose to this Australia team at home, Steve Borthwick and all his assistants should be sacked – the defense and offense are so bad. Make Felix Jones head coach. »

Some fans have highlighted the loss of key backroom personnel as a factor, with one fan joking “Say what you like about Steve Borthwick, but as well as losing winnable games his team are playing rugby at 75 speed percent and the fact that his best coaches are leaving his team is doing a great job.

Long-time England supporters have pointed out the irony of England’s current struggles after Eddie Jones led the team to a World Cup final and Six Nations The victories were sacked. Richie Allen observed that “England were more than happy to dismiss Eddie Jones by sacking him…Be careful what you wish for – because Borthwick’s England are a complete disaster.”

Another angry fan wrote: “We had one of the best defense coaches in the world and after a few games he left because he couldn’t work under Borthwick. How many matches does he need to demonstrate that he has no idea what he’s doing.

An equally angry supporter blasted Borthwick, saying: “Pathetic England. Losing to this Australian team is unforgivable. Steve Borthwick must be sacked.

What have we just witnessed? #ENGvAUS | #NationsFallSeries pic.twitter.com/r2hknne976

– RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) November 9, 2024

With two defeats for Borthwick in England’s Autumn Nations Series, the pressure on Borthwick to deliver is approaching boiling point.

After the match, Borthwick told TNT: “There will be no shortage of motivation to come back against South Africa.”

“There will be no shortage of motivation to come back against South Africa”

Steve Borthwick encourages players to bounce back from Australia defeat#ENGvAUS | #NationsFallSeries pic.twitter.com/n8eO0vYC7p

– Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) November 9, 2024

He is not wrong, especially for himself, since his job could now depend on it.