“Steve Borthwick’s Strategic Selection: Balancing Continuity and Aggression for England’s Clash with New Zealand”

Steve Borthwick has chosen to maintain continuity in his first autumn England team selection, making only four changes to the starting lineup ahead of the match against New Zealand. His strategy includes a forward-heavy bench, indicating a desire for a robust and dynamic performance. As the nation anticipates the outcome, Borthwick faces significant decisions that could have lasting implications. While some may view his selections as a forward-thinking approach aimed at future development, others might see it as a cautious strategy in preparation for a challenging series of matches. In making these choices, Borthwick has had to make some difficult calls. Notably, , who has had memorable performances against New Zealand in the past, has been left out of the matchday squad entirely. Similarly, Fin Smith, who was expected to emerge as a key player at fly-half, has also been omitted from the lineup. Overall, Borthwick's selections reflect a blend of continuity and a focus on speed and intensity, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting encounter.