England’s reliance on a tactical bench overhaul against New Zealand may determine the game’s fate

In rugby, starting strong has always been crucial. But England’s approach to their upcoming match against New Zealand is about to turn that old rule upside down. With Steve Borthwick at the helm, England has opted for a bold, endgame strategy that could change the course of modern rugby.

Gone are the days when the starting XV determined the game’s outcome. Instead, England’s tactics now hinge on an explosive final 20 minutes, with Borthwick selecting six British & Irish Lions players for the bench, compared to just four in the starting lineup. The idea is simple: if they can’t beat New Zealand in the first half, they’ll throw everything into the final stages.

However, this strategy isn’t without its risks. While England will have a fresh set of heavy hitters, including Tom Curry and Ellis Genge, ready to charge onto the field, there’s a catch. If New Zealand are ahead by half-time, waiting for the cavalry may prove disastrous. After all, the All Blacks are notorious for striking early, as seen in their 17-0 lead against Scotland in their recent match.

But Borthwick isn’t just throwing caution to the wind. His strategy is based on experience, having seen it work for South Africa’s “Bomb Squad.” Their ability to dominate the game in the final stages has proven difficult to combat. And with a squad that boasts such rich depth, Borthwick is hoping that England’s late-game power will overpower New Zealand’s sharpness.

Borthwick’s own playing career is peppered with lessons about playing the long game. He remembers the 2003 Test against New Zealand in Wellington, when England managed to stay competitive with only six players after yellow cards for Lawrence Dallaglio and Neil Back. Now, as a coach, he knows the importance of having a fresh set of players for the final push.

That’s where the bench comes in. England’s squad has seen nine consecutive wins under Borthwick’s leadership, and the belief in a team effort is stronger than ever. The emphasis on rotating players to maintain freshness and intensity shows how the dynamics of Test rugby are evolving. In today’s game, the 23-man squad plays a vital role, not just the starting 15.

Still, even Borthwick acknowledges that tough decisions must be made, especially in the absence of injured players Tommy Freeman and Ollie Chessum. The fly-half position has sparked debate, but George Ford’s calm and leadership are central to England’s game plan. Ford’s experience with high-pressure matches, combined with England’s tactical depth, makes him the ideal choice to steer the team through the opening rounds.

While the team may be reshaped, the goal remains the same: to beat New Zealand. The All Blacks remain a formidable force, with the ability to seize on any mistakes. In 2023, England lost three matches to New Zealand by a narrow 10-point margin, highlighting the razor-thin margins between victory and defeat. If the match stays close, the final stages of the game, with Borthwick’s bench playing a key role, could very well decide the outcome.

This new strategy comes at a price. England fans, who pay a premium for tickets, might find themselves questioning whether their team will live up to the billing of a full 80-minute performance. But Borthwick remains confident in his belief that modern rugby is no longer about the starting XV it’s about a cohesive team effort that stretches across the full squad.

As England faces New Zealand, all eyes will be on whether this new, late-game tactic can bring home the victory. The clock is ticking, and Borthwick’s gamble on his bench could either pay off in spectacular fashion or leave England struggling to make up ground.