sports
February 10, 2026
Borthwick backs under-pressure Townsend before Calcutta Cup clash
Itoje restored as England captain for Six Nations match
TL;DR
- Steve Borthwick calls on Scotland supporters to support under-pressure coach Gregor Townsend.
- Borthwick states Townsend is Scotland's most successful coach in the professional era with a 55% win-rate.
- Townsend is facing scrutiny after Scotland's loss to Italy and a controversial claim about a distraction report.
- John Barclay believes Townsend must go if Scotland finish outside the top three in the Six Nations.
- Maro Itoje is restored as England captain, with minimal changes to the team that beat Wales.
- Luke Cowan-Dickie starts at hooker, and Fin Smith replaces Marcus Smith on the bench.
- Henry Pollock is expected to have 'freedom to roam' when he comes on as a replacement.
- Borthwick believes England is prepared for any 'skulduggery' from Scotland at Murrayfield.
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