News

Borthwick caught by surprise

May 15 2008

Steve Borthwick has admitted his "surprise" at being appointed England's first captain of the Martin Johnson era.

Bath lock Borthwick has been handed leadership duties by new England boss Johnson for the two-Test New Zealand tour next month, replacing injured World Cup and Six Nations skipper Phil Vickery.

While Vickery continues his recovery from a knee problem, Borthwick will head into All Blacks country after completing domestic and European business with Bath.

Many pundits believe Borthwick could keep the job beyond this June, leading into England's demanding November schedule that features appointments with New Zealand, Australia and world champions South Africa.

Borthwick though, is looking no further ahead than potentially punishing encounters against the All Blacks in Auckland and Christchurch.

"You never expect something like that. There are a number of quality players around and quality leaders," said Borthwick.

"I heard my name being mentioned, but it was a case of concentrating on these games we have got coming up with Bath.

"When Martin called me and asked me to captain the side, you can't expect anything like that. So, yes, it was a surprise."

Asked if he saw himself as skipper for the long haul, Borthwick added: "No, I wouldn't say that at all. To aspire to something like that is not in my make-up.

"What I aspire to is playing at a level and conducting myself at a level that has the respect of my peers. If I am seen fit to do a role like I have been for this tour, then fantastic.

"There are plenty of people with the ability to captain England and I will always support them. Really for me, it is about having the respect of my peers."

Borthwick has led England on one previous occasion - the narrow Six Nations victory over Italy in Rome earlier this season, when Vickery was a late withdrawal due to illness.

"Phil has been the England captain for quite a while now, and is a magnificent captain and a fantastic player," he said.

"It would have been great for England to have had him with us down in New Zealand, both as a player and a leader, and it is a shame that he is not there.

"I will do the job to the best of my ability for the tour.

"By the very nature of international rugby, you are bringing together players who are the best in their positions and, generally, are in leadership roles in their clubs.

"That is a unique environment.

"In that Rome game, Phil had been captain all week and there was some doubt about his calf injury. He came through that, and then he became ill the night before the Test.

"On the morning of the Test match, I was asked to captain the side for the whole 80 minutes.

"Phil had done all the preparation as captain through the week, and I had done my part as I normally would in that structure, so it was a unique time."

England head to New Zealand on June 2, but Saracens-bound Borthwick could be a double winner before then as Bath continue their bid for Guinness Premiership title glory and European Challenge Cup silverware.

They visit Wasps on Sunday, when Borthwick and Bath could face their toughest task of the season as they strive to book a Twickenham final appearance against Gloucester or Leicester.

"At this stage of the competition, there are no easy challenges," he said.

"Wasps, in particular, certainly know how to win and come through this stage of the season.

"I have heard some of their boys talking in the media about how they feel this is their strongest stage of the season.

"We know we are in for a big contest, but we have won there in the past and we must do so again this time.

"There is no tomorrow. It is now, and we are into the knockout stages.

"We know it is a big ask and that we are up against a very good side, but I think we are also a very good side, so it could be a great contest.

"There are a lot of teams playing some very good rugby - and Wasps and Bath are two of them.

"I think it is great for English rugby to have teams playing at the level they are. The standard has been immense, and it brings a very exciting climax to the season."