‘Match-hardened’ England will ready for Six Nations battle says Steve Borthwick

England’s players are “match hardened” for the Six Nations, says Steve Borthwick. Pic: Joe Giddens/PA

Steve Borthwick insists England’s battle-hardened players are ready for the Guinness Six Nations as a result of facing greater club demands than any of their rivals.

Borthwick’s 36-man squad have comfortably racked up the highest number of minutes played since the World Cup due to their Gallagher Premiership and European commitments.