Bomb squads on stacked benches are making it even more crucial to control rugby’s aerial battle | Ugo Monye

Steve Borthwick deserves credit for taking what was a real weakness of England’s and making it one of their strengthsRugby union is a sport of trends and of unintended consequences and what I expect to be the two most decisive factors in England’s clash with the All Blacks on Saturday are inextricably linked. Much has been made of England’s firepower on their bench – New Zealand’s isn’t bad either – and when coaches are able to call upon such quality replacements, often en masse, then the kicking battle becomes all the more important.Because the international game is not currently as fluid as it has been. That isn’t necessarily a criticism, it’s just the way things are at present; a little bit like the Premier League where set pieces and long throws are dominating. Of course we would all love to see flowing, attacking rugby but it’s really difficult because all elite sides favour having 13 or 14 men in the line, they all seem to adopt a blitz defence and the sheer level of physicality means it can be hard to have possession. It means that having a good set piece and a good kicking game are paramount and the emerging trend for “bomb squads” accentuates that because less fatigue is taking hold across 80 minutes. That isn’t to say there aren’t some magical moments when teams are on transition – Henry Arundell’s try against Fiji is a great example – but it is clear to me that things are a little old school at the moment. Continue reading...

Comments

Sport news

Ronnie O’Sullivan sends message to estranged daughter and reveals reason for Dubai move

Metro

Albania vs England - World Cup qualifiers LIVE: Latest score, team news and updates as Thomas Tuchel's Three Lions seek to end campaign with 100 per cent record

about 19 hours ago

Dailymail

Horrific moment defenseless Bruins star Charlie McAvoy is struck in the face by flying puck

about 19 hours ago

Dailymail

Most footy stars would bend over backwards to stay with the best team in the comp. This one is dying to leave - and she's doing it for love

about 19 hours ago

Dailymail

Bittersweet season finale for Rory McIlroy as he claims seventh Race to Dubai crown - but LOSES play-off to Ryder Cup team-mate Matt Fitzpatrick

about 19 hours ago

Player agents latest to join growing rebellion against controversial Premier League salary cap proposals

Dailymail

Comments

Similar News

Chelsea make U-turn over ‘bomb squad’ member with player set to make return

Pakistan beat Sri Lanka in second ODI as tour continues despite bombing

Axel Disasi: Chelsea 'bomb squad' star to be rewarded with first-team reintegration after academy cameo

Chelsea bomb squad member back training with first team during the international break despite Enzo Maresca insisting there was NO way back into the fold

Pakistan deploys army to protect Sri Lanka cricket team after suicide bombing killed 12 people

'Bomb Squad' pioneer reveals the secrets behind England's game-changing tactic, its backstory in South Africa and how Steve Borthwick is perfecting it ahead of All Blacks clash

£38m Chelsea star still wants to play for Enzo Maresca despite bomb-squad treatment

Ruben Amorim asked Man Utd players to vote on ‘bomb squad’ member’s future

Eight things we spotted at Celtic training as loanee returns to fold and bombed out star makes appearance

Man Utd ready to lose over £70m rather than pay mammoth wages for 'bomb squad' member

How England’s bench ‘Bomb Squad’ decided hard-fought Australia clash

Brendan Rodgers actions hours before Celtic bomb went off make extraordinary situation even more curious - Keith Jackson

A tale of two Rangers strikers as Danilo reveals hurt at being bombed out and details new-look attacking plan

Victor Wembanyama drops casual F-bomb after electric start to Spurs season

Poppy-protest footballer James McClean reveals he 'knew how to make petrol bombs aged 11' - and says his wife feared he would be shot on the pitch after Remembrance Day snubs

Sport news

Ronnie O’Sullivan sends message to estranged daughter and reveals reason for Dubai move

Man Utd set price to sell Erik ten Hag’s £36.5m signing

Arsenal star hailed as the ‘most underrated signing’ in the Premier League

Thierry Henry aims dig at Tottenham and makes north London derby claim

ATP Finals 2025: How to watch Carlos Alcaraz-Jannik Sinner for free

bet365 bonus code NYPBET: Bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets for Seahawks vs. Rams

Dillon Danis banned from UFC events for life after igniting wild MSG brawl

Dolphins vs. Commanders, Texans vs. Titans predictions: NFL Week 11 picks, odds

Dave Portnoy calls for Bill Belichick to retire during latest North Carolina loss: ‘This is disgusting’

Jets cornerback Kris Boyd in critical condition after NYC shooting

bet365 bonus code NYPBET: Bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets for Chiefs vs. Broncos

Lane Kiffin addresses coaching rumors after Ole Miss defeats team he could be a candidate for

Three NFL player props picks to target for Week 11’s Sunday slate

ATP Finals prize money: How much is on the line as Alcaraz and Sinner clash for year-end prize?

Gabriel sent back to Arsenal for treatment after getting injured on Brazil duty

I didn’t get this far in my dreams – Rory McIlroy claims seventh Race to Dubai

Steve Clarke in Tartan Army rallying cry as Scotland boss reveals 12 word message driving World Cup charge

Novak Djokovic's retirement plans could be dealt a blow as Carlos Alcaraz has a say

When is the 2026 World Cup draw - who can England face and when could they play

Man Utd interviewed Thomas Frank in Sir Jim Ratcliffe's GARAGE as Spurs boss speaks out

Newsboy’s horseracing tips for Monday’s four meetings, including Newcastle Nap

Premier League facing civil war as agents threaten legal action ahead of salary cap vote

Meet Jannik Sinner's girlfriend who was 'allowed to see Michael Schumacher' during health battle

Brazil release Gabriel injury statement as Arsenal's worst fears realised

Liverpool and Man Utd have massive advantage over rivals after international break

'I enraged Sir Alex Ferguson after quitting Man Utd - he slammed phone down on me'

Arsenal handed Riccardo Calafiori injury boost after Mikel Arteta suffered double blow

Alexander Isak makes telling admission on horror Liverpool start after scoring just once

How to watch Albania vs England for free - TV channel, live stream, kick-off time

Liverpool receive Mohamed Salah update as Egypt release official statement

Albania vs England - World Cup qualifiers LIVE: Latest score, team news and updates as Thomas Tuchel's Three Lions seek to end campaign with 100 per cent record

Horrific moment defenseless Bruins star Charlie McAvoy is struck in the face by flying puck

Most footy stars would bend over backwards to stay with the best team in the comp. This one is dying to leave - and she's doing it for love

Bittersweet season finale for Rory McIlroy as he claims seventh Race to Dubai crown - but LOSES play-off to Ryder Cup team-mate Matt Fitzpatrick

Player agents latest to join growing rebellion against controversial Premier League salary cap proposals

Albania vs England LIVE: World Cup qualifier match stream, latest team news, lineups, TV, prediction

Rory McIlroy wins seventh Race to Dubai title despite dramatic play-off loss to Matt Fitzpatrick

Girls' basketball is seeing an influx of transfers as top teams get stronger

Arsenal fans fume over fresh details of Gabriel injury

Danny Murphy makes shock claim over Bukayo Saka and Mohamed Salah

Chargers vs. Jaguars, 49ers vs. Cardinals: NFL Week 11 odds, picks

Here’s how to watch the post-Brian Daboll Giants face the Packers for free

Fanatics Sportsbook promo code NYPOST: Get up to $2,000 in FanCash for Buccaneers vs. Bills

bet365 bonus code NYPBET: Bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets for Giants vs. Packers

Hungary vs Ireland live: Visitors aim to back up shock win over Portugal in crucial World Cup qualifier

Alcaraz v Sinner live: ATP Finals latest score and updates as rivals clash for year-end crown

Matt Fitzpatrick defeats Rory McIlroy in DP World Tour Championship thriller

Ollie Pope confident he can deliver under pressure for England

Matt Fitzpatrick edges out Rory McIlroy in dramatic play-off to win in Dubai

Albania vs England live: Bellingham poised to start final World Cup 2026 qualifier

That’s my dream – Conor Benn wants to emulate father Nigel by winning WBC title

Stirling Albion 0, Forfar Athletic 4: Loons pile on agony as questions grow over Binos boss

Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn punch stats expose brutal truth

Non-league match abandoned after 'sexist comment' aimed towards female referee

Conor Benn's five-word reaction to Chris Eubank Jr's ring walk emerges after fight

Rory McIlroy throws away £2.3m at the death as English golfer snatches dramatic win

Furious Man City star slams team-mates and sends boss message - 'Not good enough'

Carlos Alcaraz backtracks on Jannik Sinner friendship stance as tennis icon responds

Premier League's forgotten Players of the Month including Birmingham hero and Chelsea flop

Tennis star banked £118k for two-hour Carlos Alcaraz practice but hates the sport