England’s most recent defeat by Scotland was the catalyst for a change in both mindset and style.
Borthwick’s side followed it up with a last-gasp victory at a partisan Allianz Stadium to deny Ireland the chance of winning consecutive Grand Slams.
England then endured a difficult run of seven defeats against Tier One nations, albeit by slim margins. Borthwick will be hoping their thrilling late win over a wasteful France earlier this month will have stopped the rot.
Ollie Chessum’s reintroduction to the starting XV is the only change to the team from the victory over Les Bleus and the lock says meeting Scotland next is the perfect test of how far England have come.
“Steve [Borthwick] mentioned we didn’t hit hard enough or play aggressive enough at Murrayfield [last year],” Chessum told BBC Sport.
“As a group we feel like that game last year was a real turning point for us for how we wanted to be as a team.
“So this week is the real test for us to see if we have actually turned that corner.”
Borthwick, who took charge of England before the 2023 Six Nations, echoed Chessum’s sentiment and says the timing of their latest meeting with the Scots could help his side reach their attacking potential.
“We always want to put performances on the pitch,” Borthwick added.
“I came in just before a World Cup and trying to put an attack together and build quickly is very challenging to do at that point.
“But right now is when we build the attack.
“It fits the timeline and the type of players we have. I want the players to play brave, aggressive and fast.
“The way Scotland try and slow the ball down is high and they will want to stop us.”
