Steve Borthwick, England’s head coach, will have mixed feelings about the almost-imminent British and Irish Lions tour to Australia. He will be pleased that his team’s second place in this year’s Six Nations will have bolstered the selection case for many of his charges.

It is hard to argue against the view England ended the Six Nations with their most complete performance in recent memory, and certainly in the tenure of Steve Borthwick. Indeed, some even have gone as far as to say the demolition of Wales was one of England’s best performances ever in the championship.

Steve Borthwick says he wants as many England players as possible to tour with the British and Irish Lions in Australia this summer. The Guinness Six Nations runners-up look set for double-figure representation in the Lions squad that will be announced on May 8.