ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Should Steve Borthwick have brought on George Ford? Or trusted in Marcus Smith?

BY Jack Tunney  ·  Wednesday Nov 6, 2024

The opening weekend of the Autumn Nations Series is complete, and what a weekend of rugby it was. There were scorching tries, devastating losses, controversial sending-offs and, of course, a last-minute missed drop goal.

ADVERTISEMENT

The match had been hyped significantly, thanks in part to Joe Marler’s controversial remarks about the HAKA, calling it “ridiculous” and suggesting it be scrapped. Though Marler quickly retracted his comments and issued an earnest apology, the intensity and anticipation surrounding the match were heightened, setting the stage for an electric atmosphere.

As the HAKA began, both teams advanced toward each other, greeted by the booming sound of 81,000 England fans singing “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.” The scene was set for a true test match, brimming with passion from the very first whistle.

England started strongly, showcasing their attacking flair through Marcus Smith, who orchestrated plays masterfully and kept the scoreboard ticking. Yet, the All Blacks, never a side to be taken lightly, responded with precision. Tries from Mark Telea and Will Jordan saw New Zealand establish a commanding first-half lead.

England found their way back into the game early in the second half, with Marcus Smith intercepting a pass and sprinting down the field before passing to the fleet-footed Emmanuel Feyi-Waboso, who touched down past the outstretched arms of Will Jordan.

At that moment, it seemed England might seize victory. Smith and Ben Spencer were managing the game expertly, and keeping them on the field to finish the job seemed logical.

ADVERTISEMENT

However, head coach Steve Borthwick had different ideas.

Borthwick substituted two of England’s standout performers as the match reached its critical moments, introducing Harry Randall and George Ford. Ford, despite his reputation for delivering in high-stakes situations, has faced sharp criticism for missing a decisive drop goal that could have secured England’s victory.

However, blaming him alone seems harsh. Ford has proven himself on numerous occasions—his performance against Argentina in the World Cup being a prime example—but expecting him to enter cold and match the game’s intensity after 65 minutes on the bench was perhaps unrealistic.

Borthwick’s decision to turn to experience is understandable, but the timing raised eyebrows. The changes felt pre-planned, made without fully considering the game’s flow and the momentum Smith and Spencer had built.

ADVERTISEMENT

Can you imagine Dan Carter or Jonny Wilkinson being substituted in the dying moments of a tight match?

From an All Black perspective, this was a significant win. Speaking to Kiwi fans after the match, many expressed mixed feelings. Some believed the All Blacks should have won by a wider margin and viewed England as a team they ought to overcome more comfortably.

Yet, it’s crucial to remember this is a new era for the All Blacks—a team in transition under fresh leadership after their heart-wrenching World Cup final loss to South Africa in 2023. Winning away from home, in front of 81,000 English supporters, and rallying from two scores down in the last 20 minutes is no small feat. While some lament that an All Blacks team of old might have won by 20 points, this rebuilding side showed resilience and grit.

Their narrow victory at Twickenham signals that even as they evolve, they remain formidable—a glimpse of their potential as they prepare for the next World Cup.

Watch the exclusive reveal-all episode of Walk the Talk with Ardie Savea as he chats to Jim Hamilton about the RWC 2023 experience, life in Japan, playing for the All Blacks and what the future holds. Watch now for free on RugbyPass TV

Related Articles

  • 13 WEEKS AGO

    Bizarre Maro Itoje penalty signal leaves fans questioning if the HAKA

  • 13 WEEKS AGO

    Mischievous Marcus Smith spotted stealing rivals footwear

  • 13 WEEKS AGO

    Former Scotland captain Stuart Hogg pleads guilty to domestic abuse



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Flying frenchman scores tremendous try for Toulon

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Young England hopeful continues to impress with double against Stade Français

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Full throttle Premiership final rematch ends in heartache

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Santiago Carreras scores a blinder in front of thrilled Kingsholm crowd

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Kildunne finishes off STUNNING team try

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 10 WEEKS AGO

    Wallabies wunderkind Sua'ali' and Scotland captain Tuipulotu clash

  • 12 WEEKS AGO

    Ireland 'steal' Argentina's opening try as debate rages

  • 13 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: The biggest hit from week one of the Autumn Nations Series

  • 17 WEEKS AGO

    'Cheap shot' from Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints causing a stir online

  • 17 WEEKS AGO

    Wild moment leads to all in brawl during Welsh derby between Cardiff and Scarlets

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    SHOCK results in the PWR keeps top four race thrilling

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Santiago Carreras scores a blinder in front of thrilled Kingsholm crowd

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Kildunne finishes off STUNNING team try

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Supporters can't believe Saracens Sharp's UNBELIEVABLE finish

  • 12 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

View All

Funnies

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Nightmare blunder from Exeter winger as try goes wanting

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    'A dog with a mallet up its arse could’ve written Johnny’s book' Donnacha O'Callaghan

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    ‘The knee slide was too much’ - Ben Earl reflects on THAT viral moment

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    U.S. Army Special Operations Sergeant Major makes big claim about rugby

  • 13 WEEKS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

View All

Amateur

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Nightmare blunder from Exeter winger as try goes wanting

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Santiago Carreras scores a blinder in front of thrilled Kingsholm crowd

  • 108 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 108 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 131 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

View All

Player Features

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    RugbyDump's top five backrows in 2024

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    ‘The knee slide was too much’ - Ben Earl reflects on THAT viral moment

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Marcus Smith makes big call on his future

  • 11 WEEKS AGO

    'Eligible for England' - Fans react to South African star's contract announcement

  • 11 WEEKS AGO

    The 19-year-old named the 'future' of English rugby after win against Australia A

View All