Analyzing England's Kicking Game: Strategy & Statistics
Let’s be honest, in the heat of a big match at Twickenham Stadium, nothing gets the crowd groaning or roaring quite like a kick. A spiralling bomb, a clever grubber into space, or a booming clearance can be the difference between a famous win and a narrow defeat. For England Rugby, the kicking game isn't just a Plan B; it's a central pillar of their identity under Steve Borthwick. But what’s the strategy behind the boot? Is it all about territory, or is there more nuance? We’re diving deep into the data and the design to understand how the Red Rose uses its kicking game as a weapon.
This analysis isn't just for the stats nerds (though we love you). Understanding the 'why' and 'how' adds a whole new layer to your Six Nations Championship viewing. It explains why Owen Farrell might choose a contestable kick over a pass, or why Marcus Smith’s varied approach can change a game. We’ll look at the key kickers, the tactical shapes, and what the numbers tell us about England's path to victory.
The Borthwick Blueprint: Kicking as a Foundation
When Head Coach Steve Borthwick took the reins, his philosophy was clear: build a game on set-piece solidity and tactical kicking. This isn't about kicking for kicking's sake; it's about controlled aggression. The primary objectives are:
Winning the Territory Battle: Moving the fight into the opposition half, forcing them to play from deep, and earning penalties through defensive pressure.
Applying Relentless Pressure: Using high, contestable kicks to test backfield defenders, creating opportunities for chasers like Maro Itoje and Ellis Genge to regain possession.
Playing to Structural Strengths: England often backs its organised defensive line, led by the likes of Itoje, to win the ball back after a well-placed kick.
This blueprint was honed during the Autumn Nations Series and is the engine room of their Six Nations rugby campaigns. It’s a game of chess played at 100 miles per hour.
Meet the Kickers: Profiles in the Pocket
Not all kicks are created equal, and England is fortunate to have specialists for different scenarios.
The Controller: Owen Farrell
Captain Owen Farrell is the master of the game-managing kick. His strengths are unparalleled tactical kicking from hand—finding touch with pinpoint accuracy from inside his own 22 or executing subtle chips and grubbers to turn defences. His game intelligence dictates when England plays in the right areas, a crucial factor in tight contests like the Calcutta Cup.
The Game-Breaker: Marcus Smith
When Smith is on the field, the kicking strategy gains a new dimension. His repertoire includes:
The Cross-Field Kick: A potent weapon against drifting defences, often aimed at pacey wingers.
The Attacking Grubber: Used to exploit space behind a blitzing defensive line.
The Unexpected: Smith’s instinctive play can produce kicks that break structured patterns.
His inclusion often signals a shift towards a more varied, attacking kicking strategy designed to create tries, not just field position.
The Exit Specialists: The Back Three
The likes of Freddie Steward are crucial for their towering ability under the high ball and their powerful, long-range clearances from deep. Their kicking is less about creation and more about relief and resetting the defensive line.
By the Numbers: What the Stats Tell Us
Let’s look at some key metrics that define England’s approach. (Note: Figures are illustrative of trends observed in recent Six Nations Championship and Autumn internationals campaigns).
Kick Dominance: England consistently ranks in the top two for total kicks in play during the Six Nations. This isn't accidental; it's by design.
Territory Advantage: In games they control, England's kick-to-pass ratio directly correlates with spending 60%+ of the game in the opposition half.
Contestable Success: The percentage of high kicks that result in a regathered possession or a defensive penalty is a key performance indicator for Borthwick’s staff. Chasers are as important as the kicker here.
Kick Pressure: Analysts measure the pressure on the kicker (e.g., time in pocket, defender proximity). England’s forwards, through their breakdown work, strive to give their playmakers clean, unhurried ball to execute.
Tactical Kicks in the Toolbox
Breaking down the specific types of kicks England employs reveals a sophisticated strategy. For a deeper look at how these kicks fit into wider play, check out our guide on breakdown strategies in rugby union.
The Box Kick & The Bomb
Typically from the scrum-half, this is about regathering. The aim is height and hang-time, allowing chasers to contest. It’s a high-risk, high-reward play that tests the opposition's backfield organisation.
The Grubber & Chip Through
Used to beat a flat, aggressive defence. A well-weighted grubber into the space behind the wing or fullback can lead to a try-scoring opportunity. This is where players like Smith excel.
The Territorial Spiral
The long, raking kick to touch or deep into opposition territory. The primary goal is a lineout throw for the opponent deep in their own half, setting up a defensive set for England.
The Cross-Field Kick
A try-scoring weapon. Used against compressed defences, it shifts the point of attack instantly and can isolate a winger against a forward. Timing and execution are everything.
Case Study: Kicking in the Crucible – The Six Nations
The Guinness Six Nations is the perfect arena to see this strategy tested. Each match presents a unique kicking puzzle.
Vs Scotland (Calcutta Cup): Often a game of chess against a clever Scottish backfield. Kicks must be precise to avoid counter-attacks from players like Darcy Graham.
Vs Ireland (Millennium Trophy): A monumental battle for territory. Kicking contestably against Ireland’s solid back three is a calculated risk. Poor exits can be punished severely by their structured attack.
Vs France: Dealing with the towering presence of Thomas Ramos at fullback requires smarter, lower-trajectory kicks and more grubbers to negate his aerial dominance.
The Rugby Football Union’s performance analysts will spend hours breaking down these specific backfields to find the smallest advantage.
The Risks & The Rewards: A Balanced View
The kicking-centric approach is not without its critics. The main risks are:
Relinquishing Possession: You are handing the ball to the opposition. An inaccurate kick is a gift.
Predictability: If it becomes one-dimensional, smart defences (like Ireland’s) can set their backfield and counter-attack ruthlessly.
Fan Frustration: Periods of repeated kicking can feel passive, especially if the chase isn't effective.
However, the rewards, when executed well, are foundational to winning test matches:
Fatigue: Constant chasing wears down the opposition pack.
Field Position: The cornerstone of pressure rugby. It wins penalties and provides try-scoring opportunities from lineout drives.
Error Forcing: Teams forced to play from deep make more mistakes. For more on capitalising on these, see our analysis of England's handling errors.
Practical Insight: How to Watch the Kicking Battle
Next time you watch England, don't just watch the ball. Watch the strategy*.
- Watch the Backfield: Before the kick, glance at the opposition fullback and wingers. Are they deep, expecting a long kick? Are they flat, leaving space behind? England’s kicker is reading this in real-time.
- Watch the Chase: The kick is only 50% of the play. The line and intensity of chasers like Genge or Itoje determine its success. A poor chase makes any kick look bad.
- Listen to the Ref's Mic: Often, you’ll hear the kicker call a special play ("Knight Rider," "Lion," etc.) signalling a pre-planned kick strategy to the chasers.
- Context is Key: Is it an exit kick from their 22? Or a first-phase kick from halfway? The former is about safety, the latter is an attacking choice.
Conclusion: The Boot that Guides the Rose
England Rugby’s kicking game under Steve Borthwick is a sophisticated, data-informed, and multi-faceted strategy. It’s the framework upon which their performances are built. From Farrell’s controlling boot to Smith’s moments of magic, it is designed to exert control, create pressure, and win the brutal territorial battles that define modern test rugby.
While it may not always be the most flamboyant path, its effectiveness is proven on the scoreboard. As the Six Nations Championship drama unfolds, keep one eye on the boot—it’s telling the story of England’s campaign.
Want to dive deeper into the tactics that shape England's performances? Explore all our expert match insight articles to become a true student of the game.
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