# Steve Borthwick explains how England predecessors helped him block out the noise

> England's Steve Borthwick credits past coaches for mental clarity ahead of World Cup.
- Title: Steve Borthwick explains how England predecessors helped him…
- Summary: England's Steve Borthwick credits past coaches for mental clarity ahead of World Cup.
- Keywords: england, steve borthwick, australia, henry pollock, world cup, rugby, autumn internationals, wallabies, The Rugby Paper
- Source: The Rugby Paper — https://therugbypaper.co.uk/all/world/international-rugby-union/497321/steve-borthwick-explains-how-england-predecessors-helped-him-block-out-the-noise
- Author: The Rugby Paper Team
- Published: 2026-11-09T14:37:47+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: england, steve borthwick, australia, henry pollock, world cup, rugby, autumn internationals, wallabies, sports
## Supportive advice
Steve Borthwick credits past England coaches for mental clarity ahead of World Cup.

> In the last couple of days, a number of my predecessors reached out to me constantly and they certainly do.
## Record win
England defeated Australia 45-22 in a record Nations Championship victory.
## Henry Pollock stars
Henry Pollock scored two tries as England's hybrid player.
## Injury concerns
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Seb Atkinson face injury assessments.
## Australia's response
Australia's captain Harry Wilson called the loss disappointing.

> It was really disappointing.
## World Cup support
RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney confirmed Borthwick's World Cup retention.
## Next challenge
England prepare for Scotland match after Australia loss.

> Every game we want to win and three 20-point losses on the trot is not good enough.
## Key takeaway

Steve Borthwick credits past England coaches for helping him focus during England's record win over Australia.