England vs New Zealand: How England’s sub-scheme could topple the All Blacks

Several factors helped England achieve this tactical shift.

Firstly, the rugby calendar. The Lions tour of Australia has attracted 13 England first-choice players this summer. This meant that youngsters and fringe players were given a chance in Argentina and they rewarded Bothwick with successive Test victories.

Jay Pepper made his international debut. Baxter and Hayes first started together. Alex Coles was in the 15th for the first time in two and a half years. Tom Roebuck has cemented his place as a Test winger. Freddie Steward and George Ford, who managed one appearance each in the Six Nations earlier in the year, provided reminders of their quality.

All seven start on Saturday.

Secondly, regardless of the deployment of personnel during the 23rd round of the match, there was greater emphasis on how to take the initiative – psychologically, physiologically and strategically – in the closing stages.

David Priestley, a psychologist who previously worked with Leicester City and Saracens, as well as Premier League side Arsenal, has been working on honing mental processes under pressure.

Sam Underhill, the key man in England’s last win over New Zealand six years ago in the Rugby World Cup semi-final, says communication amid the sound and fury of an escalating match is crucial.

“There’s obviously a focus on every quarter of the game, but I think in terms of performing well at the end, there’s a lot to be said for tactical clarity,” he told Rugby Union Weekly.

“For a lot of players, breathing is important when you get breaks in play and want to get mental clarity as quickly as possible.

“You want to lower your heart rate and think clearly.

“You also want to communicate messages to each other.

“Key decision makers and key leaders in the areas – both defensive and offensive – will receive the attention of the group.

“You don’t have a lot of time, and you can’t say a lot, so it’s about being as clear and concise as possible.

“What helps is your understanding during the week – what you want to do and how you want to do it

“The more we understand and the clearer we are as a group, the easier it is for the decision-makers to take advantage of the things we learned in the week, in terms of what specifically our focus will be in maybe that game, or the next five or 10 minutes.”