Borthwick warns Pumas over ‘heavy favourites’ tag

First Test: Argentina vs. England

According to visitors head coach Steve Borthwick, Argentina will be the “heavy favorites” in their two-test home series when they face an England without a Lions.

The Pumas, who are ranked fifth in the world, defeated the British and Irish Lions in Dublin last month, and they have also won in recent years against France, South Africa, and New Zealand.

Argentina have never won a series against England, but they are hoping to win it with a landmark victory thanks to home advantage, momentum, and the tourists’ 13 first-choice Lions players on tour in Australia.

However, Borthwick has cautioned Felipe Contepomi, the opposing number, that high pressure comes with short odds.

Argentina “play off the underdog stereotype,” according to the statement “they are not underdogs today.”

Argentina will have to deal with that, and their coaching staff will have to deal with it.

Can they handle that because it is unique to them?

Tom Curry and Sam Underhill made their debuts when England lasttoured Argentina in 2017 by making use of James Haskell, Maro Itoje, and Billy Vunipola’s absences due to Lions duty or injury.

On their way to the Rugby World Cup final, Curry and Underhill were England’s first-choice flankers by the year 2019.

England’s 36-man squad includes 10 uncapped players for the games in South America and Washington, DC, on July 19.

Borthwick claims that the elevation of the Test level in front of fervent Argentine fans will help identify those who can compete similarly at international level.

He continued, “I’m looking forward to seeing these players perform in those kinds of cauldrons,” adding.

Borthwick has a particular interest in Seb Atkinson.

Only Saracens’ number eight Tom Willis has crossed the gainline more frequently during the Premiership’s regular season, making the 23-year-old centre a star performer for Gloucester.

Borthwick claims he has been setting new records in camp with England and that he was filmed completing a “bronco” fitness test in a quick four and eight seconds earlier this year.

The Red Roses manager, “I have enjoyed how he has played for Gloucester,” said the manager.

He is very mature, very calm, very confident, and very self-assured, according to his parents, who believe he has a good all-round skill set and is physically adept at 12 and is a jackal threat.

He runs, surpassing every GPS record we have.