“No country is so committed to this policy as England. Defenders of Steve Borthwick’s side will say that even the All Blacks boot away the ball.

“They do, but they are also not afraid to damn the data and attack from the depths of their own half. The kicking issue is as much about why as how often.”

Thinking differently

England reached the semi-finals of the recent World Cup and almost pulled off a huge shock against the Springboks in that last-four contest.

South Africa would eventually prevail 16-15 before going on to claim their fourth global title by overcoming the All Blacks in the showpiece event.

Borthwick came up with a tactically astute game plan which so very nearly worked, but Barnes is worried that it will encourage him to continue with that extremely conservative style.

The ex-playmaker insists that having a different voice in the camp would have benefited Borthwick and England going forward.

“It would not have been a threat to suggest that the management should think outside the box, while the odd reminder that the sport has limitless options would have been a welcome whisper,” he added.

“New Zealand have appointed one of the great rugby thinkers to be on the outside of the insiders. It’s a splendid idea.”