Borthwick defiant despite England’s disciplinary woes

STEVE BORTHWICK has defended his captaincy of the England team despite their woeful disciplinary record since he has been in charge.

In the nine Tests since Borthwick was appointed captain, England have had 13 players sent to the sin-bin and paid heavily for a high penalty count in defeats to Australia, Wales and Ireland.

Martin Johnson’s patience with England’s discipline finally snapped after they conceded 18 penalties and received two more yellow cards in the 14-13 defeat to Ireland at Croke Park.