Emotion or data?published at 5:02 PM Greenwich Mean Time
England v South Africa (17:40 GMT)
‘Keep Marcus Smith at fly-half.’
That has been the main talking point after England’s two narrow defeats this autumn.
In their first Autumn Nations Series match against New Zealand, Smith replaced Ford after 62 minutes. By the final whistle, England’s eight-point lead had evaporated, with Ford missing two kicks to win the match.
A week later, there were boos around the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham when Ford made another appearance after 62 minutes, with Smith this time moving to full-back.
Once again England failed to close the show.
Borthwick is known for being data-driven with his substitutions and tactics, evidenced by the identical move two weeks in a row.
Should the England head coach stop pre-planned substitutions?
Image source, Getty Images