England have adopted a bench strategy fans are already dubbing the “Pom squad” — a tactic full-back Freddie Steward revealed to Sky Sports as they prepare to face New Zealand at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham on Saturday in the Autumn Nations Series.
The approach echoes the South African “bomb squad” concept that helped the Springboks retain the World Cup in 2019: holding impact players on the bench and introducing them as a unit to change the flow of a match. Steve Borthwick has used the same idea with clear effect this month, bringing on multiple forwards at once while contests remained tight and seeing his side pull away.
In victories over Australia and Fiji, England introduced five forward replacements simultaneously during pivotal moments; for the All Blacks game the bench again lists six forwards, including Ellis Genge, Tom Curry, Chandler Cunningham-South and Henry Pollock.
Steward described the group as a “brilliant bunch” who have proved their influence in recent seasons. He emphasised how crucial those final 20–30 minutes can be in Test rugby and the role substitutes play in determining outcomes. Reassembling on Sunday night, Steward said, carried a tangible buzz as players watched the New Zealand badge and anticipated the challenge ahead.
He added that England have “turned a corner,” pointing to a productive summer that strengthened squad depth and allowed for meaningful rotation. Still, Steward warned New Zealand remain a formidable opponent with quality across the park — notably in their back three and among their ball-players — and England will need to be at their best.
Loosehead Fin Baxter returns to the starting XV after starting against Australia and appearing off the bench against Fiji. The 23-year-old said closing out matches has been a focus in training and that the bench’s ability to change games has improved since last autumn. Baxter admitted he was initially puzzled by the “Pom squad” label but said the unit lift each other and create energy when they come on together.
New Zealand forwards coach Jason Ryan welcomed the growing belief among northern hemisphere teams that they can compete with this All Blacks side, and he acknowledged England have adjusted since losing three Tests to New Zealand in 2024. Ryan praised England’s preparation and coaching, noted there will be weaknesses to exploit on both sides, and highlighted the tactical tweak of using a 6-2 bench split as part of England’s developing identity.
“Good on them if they’ve got confidence, we have too,” Ryan said, stressing that Test matches are won in different ways and that momentum can shift rapidly.
England team to face New Zealand
Starting XV: 15 Freddie Steward, 14 Tom Roebuck, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 12 Fraser Dingwall, 11 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, 10 George Ford, 9 Alex Mitchell; 1 Fin Baxter, 2 Jamie George, 3 Joe Heyes, 4 Maro Itoje (c), 5 Alex Coles, 6 Guy Pepper, 7 Sam Underhill, 8 Ben Earl.
Replacements: 16 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 17 Ellis Genge, 18 Will Stuart, 19 Chandler Cunningham-South, 20 Tom Curry, 21 Henry Pollock, 22 Ben Spencer, 23 Marcus Smith.
Autumn Nations Series so far
November 1 — England 25-7 Australia, Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
November 8 — England 38-18 Fiji, Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
November 15 — England vs New Zealand, Allianz Stadium, Twickenham (3.10pm)
November 23 — England vs Argentina, Allianz Stadium, Twickenham (4.10pm)
With their bench strategy providing fresh impetus and a growing sense of confidence within the camp, England will seek to translate that momentum into a first win over New Zealand this autumn. Both sides know the test will be decided in tight moments — and how each team manages the final quarter could prove decisive.