It remains disappointing that England will not be facing South Africa during the Autumn Internationals. Particularly because head coach Steve Borthwick seemed to channel some of the more uncompromising traits associated with Springboks boss Rassie Erasmus last week. In the build-up to England’s clash with Australia. Borthwick publicly drew attention to what he deemed unlawful aspects of Wallaby play.
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A move that irritated Australia coach Joe Schmidt, while also unveiling a practical yet extremely effective tactical structure. Most strikingly, supporters witnessed England field their own version of the infamous Springbok Bomb Squad. Unleashing five British & Irish Lions simultaneously in the 52nd minute to deliver the decisive blow in their Autumn Internationals match.
It all felt unmistakably Rassie-like. Not quite as flamboyant as the South African strategist, but certainly an English interpretation of that approach. Borthwick is not typically viewed as one of the sport’s larger-than-life Test match personalities. His preference has long been to stay reserved, focus on rugby specifics, and avoid dramatic statements.
Yet here, there were unmistakable glimpses of a calculated edge both in England’s game plan. And in how they confronted their opponents, emotionally and physically, during the Autumn Internationals encounter. The sight of five Lions forwards in gleaming white shirts entering the field together was more than a tactical move.
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Borthwick’s Bold Bench Strategy Signals New Autumn Internationals 2025 Era
It was a deliberate visual statement designed to intimidate an Australian side already beginning to tire. It demonstrated that Borthwick is not afraid to make bold, psychological plays at the Test level during the Autumn Internationals 2025. Borthwick’s experimental ideas have drawn considerable attention.
His consideration of picking seven forwards and only one back on the bench with George Ford potentially covering scrum-half suggests he has studied Erasmus’s innovations closely. Given that Erasmus has secured consecutive Rugby World Cup titles. It is hard to fault Borthwick for borrowing elements from the most successful model in the modern game.
Sources close to the England coach suggest he studies every detail of elite Test rugby. That includes team selection patterns, substitution-timing tactics, media-management strategies, and preparation structures. Anything that can provide England with even the slightest edge ahead of future Autumn Internationals fixtures.
Those who underrate Borthwick’s competitive drive because of his quiet demeanor risk missing his deeply analytical, steely nature. This raised an obvious question from last week’s performance: are England preparing to become more hostile and assertive, not just between the white lines, but through messaging, match-day tactics, and mental warfare as they continue their Autumn Internationals drive?
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England Vs New Zealand: Borthwick Highlights Preparation Gap Amid Autumn Internationals Debate
Several coaches across the Home Nations believe the current global rugby calendar, including World Cups and the proposed new Nations Championship format, favors southern-hemisphere nations. Borthwick seemed to subtly address this gap when comparing his limited research window to Schmidt’s extended training period, mainly with major gears such as England vs New Zealand on the horizon.
They’ve been together over four months, we don’t even get that at a World Cup, and we’ve had just four sessions, he remarked before the Autumn Internationals 2025 match. That statement drew a swift counter from Schmidt, who accused England of gamesmanship for reportedly challenging Australian ruck techniques with match officials beforehand.
During his pre-match briefing with referee Nika Amashukeli, Borthwick highlighted numerous instances of side entry by Australia during the Rugby Championship. Schmidt dismissed the criticism after Australia’s 25-7 defeat, acknowledging disappointment but insisting it caused no distraction. Inside the England camp, there remains calm realism.
Eight straight Test victories are cause for optimism, yet players and coaches remain conscious that England have not secured silverware since winning the 2020 Six Nations during pandemic restrictions. Still, belief is quickly building. With a refreshed coaching setup, rising squad depth, and the ability to execute high-tempo rugby, England appear far better prepared than during their frantic lead-up to the 2023 World Cup.
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