Borthwick: England must quickly adjust from Prem to Test rugby for Nations Championship

England head coach Steve Borthwick warned that his squad must rapidly bridge the gap between Premiership and Test rugby ahead of the Nations Championship. England host Australia at Allianz Stadium on Sunday, November 8, before facing Japan and New Zealand later in the month. Borthwick highlighted that domestic rugby does not adequately prepare players for international breakdown intensity and defensive demands, noting English clubs won only one of eight Champions Cup matches this season.

Borthwick addressed England's disciplinary record of 15 yellow cards in eight Tests this year, arguing that better attacking play will reduce defensive pressure in their own 22. Domestic referee Christophe Ridley assisted the squad in training to help players adapt to international officiating interpretations. Meanwhile, England face half-back injury concerns ahead of Monday's squad announcement, with scrum-half Alex Mitchell suffering a hamstring injury alongside Northampton teammates Fin Smith and Archie McParland.