England’s rugby team isn’t just winning — it’s rewriting the script. On November 15, 2025, at Allianz Stadium in London, England Rugby edged out New Zealand 15-13, sealing an unbeaten Autumn Nations Series and extending their winning streak to eight straight Tests. But the real story isn’t the scoreline. It’s the transformation under head coach Steve Borthwick, whose vision for faster, more dynamic rugby is being executed by two back-row dynamoes: Henry Pollock and Ben Earl.
The Speed Shift
For years, England played like a brick wall — solid, stubborn, and often too slow to react. Their 2023 World Cup semi-final loss to South Africa by a single point exposed the flaw: they could hold the line, but couldn’t break it. That changed. At the back end of the 2025 Six Nations, they tore through Italy and Wales, scoring 17 tries in seven days. Then, in Argentina, with 15 starters away on the British & Irish Lions tour, they still won the series 2-0 under temporary attack coach Lee Blackett. The message was clear: speed isn’t optional anymore.
Enter Pollock and Earl. Against Australia on November 9, 2025, Borthwick made a bold move — five substitutions at the 51-minute mark. Pollock, Tom Curry, and Ellis Gammie stormed onto the pitch. Sky Sports called it a game-changer. PA Media reported Borthwick was “delighted with the energy brought by Henry Pollock after seeing the back-row sensation run in a try.” And he did. Not just a try — a statement. Pollock’s footwork, his acceleration off the line, his ability to turn defense into attack in under three seconds — that’s the new England.
Energy, Not Just Endurance
Post-match footage from Allianz Stadium on November 15 showed Pollock bouncing around like a kid on Christmas morning, leaping onto Earl’s back as the crowd roared. Meanwhile, Maro Itoje stood calmly, shaking hands — cool as ever. The contrast was telling. This team isn’t just tough anymore. It’s alive. The old England faded in the final quarter. This one gets stronger. Why? Because Borthwick loaded his bench with six British & Irish Lions — a luxury no other team in the Autumn Nations Series could match. When the game tightens, when fatigue sets in, England doesn’t collapse. They reload.
George Ford, too, deserves mention. His kicking game was surgical against New Zealand, and his decision-making under pressure kept the All Blacks guessing. But it’s the back row that’s the engine. Earl’s turnover prowess, Pollock’s line-breaking runs — they’re not just players. They’re weapons Borthwick designed specifically to disrupt the rhythm of traditional, slow-burn defenses.
A Tactical Chameleon
Don’t mistake this for a one-trick pony. Borthwick’s genius is his adaptability. England can still hoist the ball in the air and dominate the skies with Freddie Steward at full-back — he’s the best in the world at catching high balls under pressure. But they can also squeeze the life out of opponents with a punishing set-piece, as they did against France earlier in the year. The Observer asked: Can they attack like this if the heavens open? The answer isn’t theoretical. They’ve already done it on wet pitches in Argentina. They’ve adapted before. They’ll adapt again.
The squad now features a new breed: bulky lock-flanker hybrids. Itoje, Ollie Chessum, George Martin, Courtney Lawes — these aren’t just forwards. They’re mobile anchors who can carry, tackle, and even support the backline. It’s a hybrid system that blends the physicality of old-school England with the agility of modern rugby. And it’s working.
From Collapse to Clarity
Recall 2024. England lost to Fiji — for the first time ever. They were hammered at home by France, their biggest margin of defeat in decades. The World Cup was a disaster. Fans were angry. Critics called Borthwick too rigid. But here’s the twist: he didn’t change his mind. He changed his team. He didn’t abandon structure. He added velocity. He didn’t ditch the set-piece. He made it a launchpad.
The transformation didn’t happen overnight. It started in the Six Nations, accelerated in Argentina, and exploded in London. The bench isn’t a backup anymore — it’s a tactical weapon. The players aren’t just substitutes; they’re specialists trained to enter the game and change its tempo.
What’s Next?
The 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia looms. England won’t be favorites — New Zealand and South Africa still hold the crown. But they’re no longer chasing. They’re building. With Pollock and Earl in their prime, with a bench full of Lions, and with a coach who knows when to push and when to hold, England has become the most unpredictable team in world rugby. They can play tight. They can play fast. They can play in rain, wind, or sunshine.
The question isn’t whether they can win the World Cup. It’s whether anyone can stop them when they’re in this mode.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Henry Pollock and Ben Earl change England’s game?
Pollock and Earl brought unmatched pace and turnover power to England’s back row. Pollock’s line-breaking runs and Earl’s relentless work at the breakdown turned defense into attack within seconds. Their introduction in the 51st minute against Australia sparked a 20-point surge, proving their ability to shift momentum — something England’s previous squads struggled to do in the final quarter.
Why is England’s bench considered a game-changer?
England loaded six British & Irish Lions onto their bench for the 2025 Autumn Nations Series — a depth no other team matched. Players like Tom Curry, Ellis Gammie, and Maro Itoje can enter the game and maintain intensity, preventing the fatigue that plagued England in past tournaments. This allowed them to grow stronger as matches progressed, a stark contrast to their 2023 World Cup collapses.
How does Steve Borthwick’s approach differ from past England coaches?
Where previous coaches prioritized control and set-piece dominance, Borthwick blends structure with speed. He doesn’t abandon the scrum or lineout — he uses them to launch fast attacks. His willingness to rotate players based on conditions and opposition — like using Freddie Steward for high balls or switching to a more physical pack in rain — shows tactical flexibility absent in earlier eras.
What led to England’s turnaround after their 2023 World Cup loss?
After losing to South Africa by one point in 2023 and suffering historic defeats to France and Fiji in 2024, Borthwick shifted focus from physical dominance to dynamic play. He emphasized speed in transition, invested in young back-row talent like Pollock, and built bench depth with Lions players. The 17 tries in one week during the 2025 Six Nations proved the new system worked — and it’s only getting sharper.
Can England win the 2027 Rugby World Cup?
They’re no longer underdogs. With a balanced squad that can play both physical and open rugby, a coach who adapts on the fly, and a bench that outlasts opponents, England is now a legitimate contender. Their 8-0 record in 2025, including wins over Australia and New Zealand, proves they can beat the best. The real test? Performing under pressure in a knockout tournament — but they’ve already shown they can win tight games.
How did Lee Blackett contribute to England’s evolution?
As temporary attack coach during the 2025 Argentina tour — when 15 regular starters were on Lions duty — Blackett implemented a more expansive backline game. He pushed for quicker ball movement and encouraged players to take risks in the wide channels. That philosophy carried over into the Autumn Nations Series, helping Pollock and Earl thrive in open space and giving England a more lethal attacking identity.