Why England Rugby Is Poised to Become World Rugby's No. 2 Team
Why England Rugby Is Poised to Become World Rugby's No. 2 Team
England’s win over the All Blacks proves England is ready to climb to No. 2 in the world. Here’s how Steve Borthwick’s squad is powering its rapid rise.
Cautiously optimistic. That’s how some expect England to feel after a 33-19 win over the All Blacks.
But now isn’t the time to be timid. Now is the time to strike, and England knows it.
From the opening minutes against New Zealand, England presented a seasoned side — calm, patient and steady.
The team applied consistent pressure, pushing the All Blacks back inch by inch, though New Zealand still found two early tries within the first 20 minutes, but without England’s defensive work, it could have been far worse.
Instead of folding under a 12-0 deficit, England soldiered on.
After Ollie Lawrence notched the team's first try, George Ford added two drop goals — scrappy points, but exactly what England needed to stay alive.
After halftime, the switch flipped, and the rest is history.
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England’s composure never wavered.
The poised team that took the pitch showcased just how much it has grown since New Zealand beat England in three consecutive matches last year. England's 10-match winning streak only underscores the rise in form.
Now ranked No. 3 in the World Rugby Rankings, up from No. 4 the week prior, England has a legitimate shot at climbing to No. 2. It all comes down to head coach Steve Borthwick and his men.
Steve Borthwick’s Strategy Is Paying Off
Many doubted him, and the constant backline reshuffling didn’t help, but Borthwick kept his word: he has made England a better team.
The All Blacks normally would expose any cracks in a lineup. Yet even with experiments, including trying Tommy Freeman at No. 13, Borthwick’s tactical adjustments appear to be working.
England’s ability to regain control against the world’s No. 2 team reflects not only a mental fortitude, but also Borthwick’s clarity of vision. He’s establishing structure, managing expectations and ensuring his squad stays composed in pressure moments.
England’s Balance Of Youth And Experience
Borthwick has crafted a roster that blends emerging talent with seasoned veterans.
Henry Pollock - 20 years old and nominated for World Rugby Men’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year - assisted Tom Roebuck’s try against New Zealand and was instrumental in England’s win over Australia.
Noah Caluori has been called up for the Argentina match, with Ollie Lawrence, Jamie George and Tom Roebuck sidelined by injury.
The 19-year-old Caluori scored five tries in his Premiership starting debut, immediately catching the attention of selectors.
Though injured for the New Zealand meeting, Tommy Freeman has become an all-around contributor for England. These rising players could form the backbone of England’s future.
Then there’s George Ford — the veteran with 104 caps whose two drop goals kept England alive. His leadership, on and off the pitch, remains invaluable.
Preview: England vs. Argentina — What To Expect
England’s follow-up to the All Blacks win is equally crucial.
Argentina, ranked No. 6, enters the Nov. 23 match after a 33-24 victory over Scotland. Despite trailing for 63 minutes, Los Pumas clawed back for a late win.
Their resilience mirrors the resolve England showed against New Zealand, setting the stage for a compelling matchup.
All eyes will be on Allianz Stadium at Twickenham, as England chase an 11th consecutive win.
2026 Six Nations Fixtures Give England A Smooth Start
Looking ahead to Six Nations play come February 2026, England is slated for some smoother matches.
England begins Round 1 with a test against Wales at Twickenham, followed by a Round 2 test against Scotland at Murrayfield.
This gives England time to start, or extend, its winning streak before moving onto tougher opponents, including Ireland in Round 3 and France in Round 5.
England's 2026 Six Nations Fixtures
- Feb. 7, 2026 – 11:40 AM ET – vs. Wales – Allianz Stadium
- Feb. 14, 2026 – 11:40 AM ET – at Scotland – Scottish Gas Murrayfield
- Feb. 21, 2026 – 9:10 AM ET – vs. Ireland – Allianz Stadium
- March 7, 2026 – 11:40 AM ET – at Italy – Stadio Olimpico
- March 14, 2026 – 3:10 PM ET – at France – Stade de France
Latest World Rugby Rankings - Nov. 17, 2025
See the official rankings on World.Rugby here.
- South Africa – 93.06
- New Zealand – 90.33
- England – 89.09
- Ireland – 88.85
- France – 87.07
- Argentina – 85.30
- Australia – 81.69
- Fiji – 81.03
- Scotland – 80.22
- Italy – 78.98
- Georgia – 74.69
- Wales – 74.23
- Japan – 72.58
- Spain – 69.12
- Uruguay – 68.52
- USA – 68.26
- Samoa – 66.94
- Chile – 66.72
- Tonga – 66.66
- Portugal – 64.89
- Romania – 62.16
- Belgium – 61.81
- Hong Kong China – 59.61
- Canada – 58.85
- Zimbabwe – 58.80
Autumn Nations Series Rugby Schedule 2025
Week 4 - Nov. 22-23
- Wales vs. New Zealand
- Ireland vs. South Africa
- France vs. Australia
- Italy vs. Chile
- Scotland vs. Tonga
- England vs. Argentina
Week 5 - Nov. 29
- Wales vs. South Africa
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