Borthwick looking for redemption
England head into tomorrow’s championship opener against Italy on the back of a hat-trick of home defeats to Australia (28-14), South Africa (42-6) and New Zealand (32-6).
And he has demanded England start making amends against the Azzurri at Twickenham.
“The autumn was a tough experience. There were some bitter disappointments and I took the losses personally,” said Borthwick.
“I take personal responsibility. That is the kind of guy I am. That has always been the way in my career. If I do something I want to do it very, very well. I was part of a team that lost games and with results that were unacceptable. I take that personally.
“We can’t take too many emotions forward because there is a new challenge ahead — but we weren’t good enough in the autumn, we didn’t perform to our best and we let ourselves down.
“We need to put that right. We need to perform to our best this weekend and right throughout the championship and we have worked very hard to be a much better side for the start of this championship.
“Every England player wants to set things right and put the record straight.”
England head into the Six Nations with more experience in their ranks following the reinstatement of Andy Goode, Mike Tindall and Mark Cueto in the team.
They will offer Borthwick the kind of leadership support he lacked in the autumn, when Martin Johnson packed the side with debutants and exciting but inexperienced youngsters.
“Did I take the criticism to heart? No. I know my ability as a player and a captain. The guys who play alongside me and who coach me have no problem,” said Borthwick.
“Quite clearly in the autumn we were a quiet team on the field and on the training field. Part of that is personalities, part of that is experience,” said Borthwick.
Meanwhile, Italy centre Gonzalo Garcia admits it is a dream to be making his RBS 6 Nations debut against England.
Coach Nick Mallett will be fielding a makeshift team in the tournament opener, with Pablo Canavosio, Simon Piccone and Pietro Travagli all injured.
The shortage in personnel means that Martin Castrogiovanni returns to the side after a year-long absence through injury, flanker Mauro Bergamasco moves to scrum-half while uncapped Venezia player Jean-Francois Montauriol has been handed a place on the bench.
Garcia is set to make his tournament debut tomorrow and the Argentina-born player is preparing to enjoy every second.
“It’s very emotional to be playing in the Six Nations,” he said. “I never thought I’d find myself here.
“I hope to play my best rugby in a game which, for me, will always remain unforgettable whatever happens.”
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