Yep, although there are big question marks on whether Borthwick has the experience and personality to do that. And Sinfield is still in short pants as far as union is concerned. This isn't hindsight, but what most of us said when they were appointed.
Last year we only lost by 12 points in Paris when Fra were chasing the GS. Many would say that our squad that day wasn't particularly inspiring either: Genge, George, Stuart, Itoje, Isiekwe, Lawes, Underhill, Simmonds, Youngs, Smith, Nowell, Slade, Marchant, Steward (on the wing with Genge returning kicks) Furbank. Bench of Dolly, Marler, Sinckler, Chessum, Dombrandt, Randall, Ford, Daly. Only 9 of those were on duty yesterday - some injuries, but some changing of horses.
Much as I enjoyed blaming Jones for everything, Borthwick can't hide behind that and the players we had yesterday shouldn't have been embarrassed like that. What bothers me is that there's been precious little evidence of a new coach bounce - forget results, but even in enthusiasm or energy - which suggests that Borthwick isn't really connecting with the players. If that's the case then he's going to struggle. When Jones came in he immediately got a better tune out of the hand he was dealt. Borthwick hasn't.
