​England’s players had promised a performance that showed their faith in Steve Borthwick; consider that message of unity emphatically sent. Crisis? What crisis? If last November’s victory over New Zealand remains the high watermark of the Borthwick era given the opposition, here, at least, was a performance that rose close to those standards, an answering of critics and call to arms that they needed at the start of this potentially fractious campaign. There was daring, there was dynamism, and there was more than a hint of indignation after a week of questioning over their spirit.A pot still to boil or a flash in a pan? The next three weeks will reveal plenty about what Borthwick is really cooking but they have, at least, backed up strong words with equally forceful actions. Australia were not at the races but, perhaps, they were not allowed to be, with a refreshed and recharged Maro Itoje leading from the front. Vindication came in a cohesive and connected backline performance and the impact of Henry Pollock, scoring twice after an injury-enforced introduction on the wing following the departure of the irrepressible Immanuel Feyi-Waboso.England ran in seven tries, including two by Henry Pollock (Reuters)“I am really pleased for the players and supporters that we were able to produce that,” Borthwick said. “The players have been laser-focused on producing that performance. In the last couple of days, a number of my predecessors have reached out and contacted me. The basic gist of it was, ‘been there, got the t-shirt, focus on the rugby’. That’s what I’ve done this week. That’s what the players and staff around the players have done this week.”It had been a week of fire and fury for England nonetheless. The flames had been lit by a report suggesting division in camp and perhaps attempting to sow it, too, which drew out a united, and frustrated, defensive front as Borthwick’s squad hit back. What fractures and fissures might Australia find? The opening skirmishes felt of outsized importance. England had begun strongly in their last outing against Argentina back in July, correcting a concerning trend that had troubled them through the Six Nations. It looked a perfect start for the hosts, a pull-back from Seb Atkinson helping set a roaming Feyi-Waboso free to career beneath the sticks. An earlier forward pass from Ben Curry wiped the try out, though England’s intent to play was clear. Feyi-Waboso was utilised several times more in the opening 10 minutes and made metres every time, and it was his kick chase that drew a blocking penalty that Fin Smith could kick to the corner. From there, the maul – as is becoming a theme this November – was unstoppable; Jamie George, who had spoken so strongly of his side’s unity on Friday, a fitting scorer from a collective effort.Jamie George was a fitting first scorer (Getty)Ryan Lonergan replied with a penalty but it was about the only kick Australia had in an opening half-hour that,