Steve Borthwick puts England rugby team through intense training in Argentina

In Argentina, the England rugby team underwent a rigorous training session under head coach Steve Borthwick as part of their preparations for a series against Los Pumas. The training took place at Club San Luis on the outskirts of La Plata, where the team engaged in an intense hour and 40-minute session that included high-intensity 15 on 15 gameplay. Focused on replicating the conditions of hard Test matches, they trained to push beyond typical match intensity, especially in scrummaging practices. Following the opening Test victory, Borthwick invited journalists to observe the scrimmages where players demonstrated their capabilities. The training emphasized the importance of a well-coordinated scrum, which is critical for their upcoming challenges against a tough Argentine Tean. The forwards were instructed to maintain scrummaging pressure and to extend the duration of these scrums. One player, Harrison, was pivotal in ensuring the scrums were effectively conducted. He instructed his props to “stay in the abyss,” a phrase that clearly illustrated the mental and physical toughness required during scrummaging sessions, particularly as they prepared for future Test matches. This approach was vital for England, especially given the absence of some key players on the Lions tour, making every practice count for those vying for spots in upcoming matches. The prolonged scrum sessions saw varying intensity where the props were separated into two groups, showcasing their competitive spirit as they aimed to solidify their roles within the team. Borthwick’s strategy highlighted how deep understanding and resilience were paramount for the team’s success. Ultimately, the work put in at San Luis signaled a commitment to excel against Los Pumas, indicating the seriousness of their preparation leading up to the second Test. As players pushed through demanding drills, the underlying aim remained clear — to emerge not only victorious in the series but to elevate their performance to the standards expected at the highest levels of international rugby.