England have emphatically backed up their bold talk with a monumental performance, defeating New Zealand to firmly establish themselves as genuine contenders for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. This signature success for head coach Steve Borthwick arrived on Saturday 16 November 2025, continuing an impressive run of 10 consecutive wins and showcasing a dramatically new English attitude.
A Phlegmatic Response to Historic Victory
One might have expected Steve Borthwick to indulge in a moment of boasting after securing only the ninth English win over the All Blacks in history. Yet the former lock remains as phlegmatic as ever. Presented with three separate opportunities to address his critics from November 2024—a period when England were mired in a losing streak against Tier One nations—the head coach politely declined each time.
Turning to captain Maro Itoje beside him, Borthwick feigned ignorance with a subtle, knowing smile. "I got criticised?" he asked. Itoje, quickly picking up on his coach's tone, replied, "I didn't see it." The exchange was a clear, if understated, acknowledgment that both were well aware of the intense scrutiny they had faced.
The very presence of Itoje in the press conference, rather than former skipper Jamie George, underscored the deliberate changes Borthwick has implemented. The leadership switch ahead of this year's Six Nations was a calculated move to instigate improvement. Just as he refused to get too low during the tough times of 2024, Borthwick was not about to gloat now.
Building Belief and a New Identity
When it was suggested that a statement win over the All Blacks would swell his team's confidence, Borthwick demurred. "I think the group's had a huge amount of belief for a long period of time," he stated. "There have been big performances from this team over the last period. The big thing that pleased me is they want to improve. The team will never get too high, never get too low – it will just continue to work to improve."
He emphasised the importance of creating shared memories and experiences as reference points for future challenges. "This team was just coming together 12 months ago," Borthwick reflected. "It was a new team. Then each of those reference points in games where tight margins have gone against us, it is a learning experience. The guys just have utter belief now."
This belief was visibly manifested before the match even began. The messaging during the week, led by Jamie George, was not one of scrapping underdogs but of matching bite with bark in a performance of alphas. This attitude shift was powerfully underlined by England's response to the haka, intentionally spearheaded by George and Henry Pollock—the team's eldest and youngest players.
"We wanted to replicate 2019 because we hadn't done it here," George explained, referencing the famous World Cup semi-final response. "A response like that is great, but then backing up with the performance was the most important thing."
A Nightmare to Play Against
While this is clearly not a vintage All Blacks side—missing the injured Jordie Barrett and with Beauden Barrett carrying a knock—England's dominance was undeniable. The hosts capitalised on a sin-binning for Codie Taylor, seizing control in the third quarter, which has become a problem period for New Zealand.
England's performance is even more impressive considering their own injury absences. George Martin, Ben Curry, George Furbank, Ollie Chessum, and Tommy Freeman might all have featured in the matchday 23 if fit. The performance of Ollie Lawrence at outside centre served as a potent reminder of his capabilities.
A clearer identity is emerging for Borthwick's side. They thrived in transition, particularly from a contestable kicking game that is becoming increasingly central to their strategy. Marcus Smith provided a spark after an early introduction at fly-half.
Privately, the team has been frustrated with suggestions they are merely aping South Africa's strategy, though tracing the template of the double back-to-back world champions is no bad idea. England now look a nightmare to play against, with nine dominant tackles to their opponents' three underlining their in-your-face intensity.
This was further characterised by the impact of the replacements. A scrum penalty won against the head on the hour mark vindicated the loading of the bench with British and Irish Lions. Ellis Genge, Pollock, and the rest celebrated each small victory with unbridled passion, a stark contrast to the stoic Borthwick, who was seen buried in his laptop after Fraser Dingwall's try while those around him leapt for joy.
"Our scrum's in a good spot," George affirmed. "We're very proud of it. We know the importance of it. In years gone by, it has potentially let us down. So we have got our heads down, worked really hard."
The lineout did wobble mightily in the absence of Chessum, who will also miss the November finale against Argentina. It is a trade-off Borthwick seems willing to make to best utilise his energetic back row.
With two years until the 2027 Rugby World Cup, England are increasingly tracking to be a top contender. A win over New Zealand has not always proved a real launchpad for sides of the past, but this assured showing felt like that of a team growing comfortable with their status as a top-tier force. The true test of the autumn has been passed with flying colours.
