Borthwick focuses on positives
Borthwick hopes to take positives from performance in Rome
Sunday, 14, Feb 2010 05:47
By Matt Hallam.
England captain Steve Borthwick attempted to focus on the positives after his teams sloppy display against Italy in Rome.
Martin Johnson's side failed to build on a promising start and although Matthew Tait's second-half try gave them a commanding lead, they allowed Italy back into the game, despite Matin Castrogiovanni being sent to the sin bin.
England held on for victory with Johnny Wilkinson scoring a late drop goal, and despite the unconvincing nature of the performance, Borthwick suggested his sides uncomfortable finish could have been avoided if they had taken their chances.
"Credit to Italy for the way they played, they were very tough and resilient," he said.
"Obviously we want to win all our games by as big a margin as we can, but we did some fantastic stuff, we created chances but didn't take them."
Borthwick also highlighted some of his team mates for praise, suggesting their were plenty of positive aspects that England could take from their performance.
"Delon Armitage and Ugo Monye made some great breaks, there are a lot positives to take from this game."