Key Highlights
- England’s coach Steve Borthwick is implementing a “super-sub” strategy to counter New Zealand’s dominance.
- The plan involves bringing in star quality and Test experience late into the match, aiming to exploit England’s depth of talent.
- Rugby expert Ben Pollard explains how substitutes can buffer player fatigue and add energy during high-tempo games.
- This tactic has been crucial for England’s recent success, with the team winning every match since adopting it.
England’s Bold New Strategy
In a bid to overcome their past struggles against the formidable All Blacks, England coach Steve Borthwick is deploying an innovative plan. This approach involves utilizing his depth of talent by bringing in high-quality replacements late into the match.
Understanding the Need for Subs
Rugby expert Ben Pollard, who has worked with various national teams and the British and Irish Lions, explains that players typically show a drop in performance after 60 minutes. Pollard states, “The substitutes generally come on and almost buffer that fatigue, superseding the running outputs and the contacts per minute of ball in play.” This strategy aims to sustain England’s high-tempo game and maintain their edge late into matches.
The Super-Sub Squad
Borthwick’s plan features a star-studded bench. Key players include Ellis Genge, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Will Stuart (all British and Irish Lions tourists), and Tom Curry, who relishes the biggest occasions. Other notable names are Henry Pollock and Marcus Smith, known for their Test experience.
Exploiting Depth of Talent
England’s recent success can be attributed to their ability to bring in quality players late in matches. The article notes that England’s ‘Pom Squad’ have averaged more final-quarter points than any other top-tier nation this year, indicating a significant improvement in the closing stages of games.
Psychological and Physical Factors
Mental preparation also plays a crucial role. David Priestley, a psychologist who has worked with professional clubs like Leicester and Arsenal, highlights the importance of clear communication among players during matches. He advises, “Key decision-makers and key leaders in areas – defensive and attacking – will have the attention of the group.” This ensures that messages are conveyed effectively amidst the chaos of high-pressure situations.
Comparison with Other Teams
While England’s strategy is unique, it draws inspiration from other successful models. South Africa’s ‘Bomb Squad’ uses a destructive set of front-five replacements to apply pressure at the scrum, while New Zealand has its own star-quality subs ready for late-game action.
Challenges and Criticisms
Critics argue that this tactic might not be ideal, as it could have altered the outcome of previous matches if Borthwick had opted for a more conventional lineup. However, England’s recent victories over Australia and Fiji suggest that their approach is effective in maintaining competitive form throughout games.
Conclusion
The success of England’s “super-sub” strategy under Steve Borthwick highlights the importance of tactical flexibility and depth of talent in modern rugby. As they prepare for a crucial match against New Zealand, this bold plan could prove decisive in determining the outcome.
