Steve Borthwick pointed to England’s relative inexperience as he defended recent results following a 27-22 loss to “world-class” Ireland in his side’s Guinness Six Nations opener. Back-to-back champions Ireland increased pressure on rival head coach Borthwick after tries from Jamison Gibson-Park,

England coach Steve Borthwick said Ireland's experience made the difference after his team fell away in the second half of their Six Nations game in Dublin on Saturday to lose 27-22 after leading 10-5 at halftime.

Former England coach Eddie Jones has argued Steve Borthwick has reason for optimism after seeing his side go down to defeat in Dublin. After leading 10-5 at half-time, the visitors were then blown away by an Ireland side that scored 22 points without reply to seemingly put the game to bed.