England’s rugby team has just pulled off a stunning victory over the legendary All Blacks, and the secret weapon behind their success might surprise you. Captain Maro Itoje didn’t hesitate to credit the team’s transformative scrum as the game-changer in their 33-19 win at Twickenham—only the ninth time in history they’ve beaten New Zealand. But here’s where it gets intriguing: this isn’t just about brute force. It’s about strategy, resilience, and a year of relentless hard work.
While their lineout faced intense pressure, England’s scrum dominated, securing two critical penalties in the second half—including a jaw-dropping moment when they pushed the All Blacks back over their own ball at the 60-minute mark. Even with Ben Earl in the sin bin, England’s seven-man scrum held firm against New Zealand’s full forward pack. And this is the part most people miss: this isn’t just about physical strength; it’s about mindset and cohesion, something Itoje and head coach Steve Borthwick have been quietly cultivating.
Borthwick’s decision to bench a British and Irish Lions front row—Ellis Genge, Luke Cowan-Dickie, and Will Stuart—paid off, as they seamlessly stepped in to maintain the momentum set by starters Fin Baxter, Jamie George, and Joe Heyes. Itoje reflected, “Our scrum’s a weapon. We genuinely believe it’s become a cornerstone of our success this year.” He recalled Borthwick’s early days as coach in 2022, when the scrum’s stats were underwhelming. “We’ve worked hard, and it’s showing,” Itoje added, praising scrum coach Tom Harrison and the entire pack’s dedication.
But here’s the controversial bit: Is England’s scrum really as dominant as they claim, or are they benefiting from a temporary dip in the All Blacks’ form? While New Zealand’s recent performances have been uncharacteristically shaky, England’s scrum has undeniably evolved. The emergence of young props like Baxter, Heyes, and Stuart, coupled with the depth provided by Asher Opoku-Fordjour and Afolabi Fasogbon, suggests a bright future. Borthwick himself acknowledged, “The scrum has a huge impact on the game, and we’re committed to developing it further.”
However, not everyone is convinced. Some critics argue that England’s scrum success is more about New Zealand’s struggles than their own brilliance. What do you think? Is England’s scrum truly a game-changer, or is this victory an anomaly? Let’s debate in the comments!
Looking ahead, England faces Argentina next Sunday, though they’ll be without lock Ollie Chessum due to a foot injury. But with their scrum firing on all cylinders, they’re poised to continue their winning streak. One thing’s for sure: England’s scrum is no longer just a set piece—it’s a statement.