England's Aerial Dominance Faces Ultimate Test Against All Blacks
England's crucial clash with New Zealand this Saturday is set to be decided by two interconnected factors that have come to define modern international rugby. According to analysis from Ugo Monye, the emergence of powerful "bomb squads" on stacked benches has made controlling the aerial battle more important than ever.
The Bench Revolution Changing Test Rugby
Steve Borthwick deserves significant credit for transforming what was a genuine weakness for England just twelve months ago into one of their greatest strengths. During last year's autumn campaign, England's bench simply wasn't up to standard, but that criticism can no longer be levelled at the head coach.
Six British & Irish Lions including Tom Curry, described by Monye as "the best openside flanker in the world," demonstrate the potent weapon England now possess in their replacements. This represents a remarkable turnaround in squad depth and quality.
The international game currently lacks the fluidity of previous eras, with most elite sides favouring having 13 or 14 men in the defensive line and employing blitz defences. The sheer physicality means maintaining possession has become increasingly difficult, making a reliable set piece and effective kicking game absolutely paramount.
Borthwick's Tactical Mastery Faces Sternest Test
While stacking the bench with quality provides obvious advantages, it also carries significant risks, particularly against a side like the All Blacks who have historically started matches at blistering pace. Borthwick will be acutely aware that this isn't a vintage New Zealand team, despite their 17-0 lead against Scotland recently.
The key for Borthwick isn't merely having this arsenal available, but deploying it with precision and timing. The England coach typically makes wholesale changes to his forward pack between the 50-60 minute mark, mirroring the approach that has served South Africa so well.
However, Monye emphasises that Borthwick must be prepared to adapt proactively if circumstances demand. Rassie Erasmus's coaching masterclass against France last weekend, where he made multiple inspired changes including replacing a prop after just thirty minutes and shifting Siya Kolisi at halftime, demonstrates the level of in-game management required at the highest level.
With heavy rain forecast for Saturday's encounter, conditions are likely to favour a cagey affair where both sides will look to kick regularly. New Zealand's primary objective will be to keep the ball away from England's aerial specialist Freddie Steward, likely by kicking off their number 10 and 15 rather than directly through the scrum-half.
England, meanwhile, will look to George Ford and Alex Mitchell to exert the same control they demonstrated against Australia, making Ford's recall at fly-half entirely expected. Tom Roebuck's return from an ankle injury provides another significant boost, giving Borthwick two of the best aerial operators in the game.
While this tactical approach may not satisfy spectators craving free-flowing rugby, England's kicking strategy has evolved significantly since the World Cup. Rather than wasting overlaps to put boot to ball, they now maximise their assets with clear objectives: gaining territory, reclaiming possession, and creating scoring opportunities.
As Monye concludes, "On Saturday, against the side ranked second in the world, it stands to reason that they will attempt to do so again." The stage is set for a tactical battle where aerial dominance could prove decisive.
