Rugby Union Weekly Ford and Steward return as England load the bench again
9 snips
Nov 11, 2025 
Steve Borthwick, England’s head coach, clues us into selection strategies ahead of the showdown against New Zealand, highlighting George Ford’s return to fly-half. Freddie Steward shares his thoughts on handling high balls under new laws and details his dislocated finger incident from the Australia game. Meanwhile, All Blacks coach Scott Robertson reflects on blending youth and experience in his squad, emphasizing their ambition for a Grand Slam this autumn. All these insights set the stage for an exhilarating clash.
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Experience Wins Tight 10 Battles
- George Ford was selected at 10 largely for his leadership and experience in big games.
- Finn Smith is seen as the long-term 10 but missed out due to situational needs.
Bench Built To Change Games
- England stacked a powerful bench with several Lions to finish games strong.
- Steve Borthwick uses the bench as a tactical tool to change momentum late in matches.
Use Bench Players With Clear Roles
- Prepare the bench to accept defined impact roles rather than expect to start.
- Use experienced finishers to win tight, late-game moments against top opponents.