Eddie Jones explains England’s Six Nations capitulation | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload ourSocial PartnerWe are 8 logo (opens in a new tab)AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleDuncan BechTuesday 24 February 2026 12:32 GMTEddie Jones believes Steve Borthwick’s pre-tournament comments have harmed England (Getty Images)Eddie Jones has attributed England’s dramatic collapse in the Guinness Six Nations to Steve Borthwick’s premature focus on a potential title decider against France.England have suffered consecutive and emphatic defeats to Scotland and Ireland, contrasting sharply with Borthwick's pre-tournament vision of challenging for the title.Jones, who coached England between 2016 and 2022, suggested that the Rugby Football Union (RFU) might have influenced Borthwick's comments to entice fans.He believes such forward-looking remarks can inadvertently distract players, causing them to look ahead rather than concentrating on immediate matches.Jones stated that the 31-20 defeat to Scotland left a lasting “mental scar” that subsequently impacted England's performance in the five-try rout by Ireland, and emphasised the need for strong leadership.In fullEddie Jones blames England’s Six Nations collapse on Steve Borthwick’s pre-tournament commentsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in