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

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.

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.

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.

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.