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Picking your strongest starting XV for a important rugby contest feels more and more old-fashioned these days, evoking memories of bygone days such as vintage television. To the point that you might nearly expect to see this England lineup to face the All Blacks on Saturday printed in a reversed sequence. Despite the All Blacks visiting, the conventional method of picking the team no longer applies.

Focus on the Final Stages

Instead, it's all about the match ends. On this occasion, the coach opted to chosen six British & Irish Lions on the substitutes compared to just a few in the starting lineup. Around during the 50-minute mark this weekend, expect an extensive change involving fresh players joining the field. Similar to South Africa's renowned "Bomb Squad" has shown, such a tactic can be extremely tough to counter.

Possible Challenge

However, there is one minor snag. While facing one of the globe's top-tier teams, it's essential to begin well as well. Holding out for the introduction of key replacements such as Ellis Genge or others might appear not so brilliant if the All Blacks build a significant advantage early on, like versus the Scots last week.

But this is today's way in rugby. And not many are more knowledgeable on this topic than the England coach, who spent several matches on the bench during his playing days.

Historical Examples

Including these occasions, Borthwick mentioned this week, was the famous Test against New Zealand in Wellington during 2003, when England's forwards was cut to six because of disciplinary issues. At that time, Borthwick along with fellow reserves stayed on the sidelines for the entire match.

On the other hand, during a match in Italy the previous year, the then-coach introduced four experienced leaders after the hour mark, a move famously described as "the most illustrious bench ever."

Today's Strategy

The current England substitute selection nearly matches that in terms of "Big Dog" vibes, as England obviously hoping to overtake the opposition in the final quarter. "Every match we have faced versus New Zealand has been close toward the end," the coach stated. "Therefore it's crucial the right players on to finish the game... utilizing that level of experience on the bench is also a key asset for us."

Spectator Considerations

There will be those spending premium rates for tickets this weekend questioning if reduced pricing could be offered if games currently effectively hinge on only 20-odd stages rather than the entire match. Seriously, however, there is another subtly persuasive reason: that Borthwick's trust toward emerging players such as Joe Heyes has becoming sufficiently strong that England's "best" starting team may not be precisely as casual fans might assume.

Picking Decisions

Whether this makes him as "an adventurous selector" is a topic he's is minded to discuss – "I'm not go for labels... I try to select the best squad possible to get success" – yet the team's ongoing run with nine victories in a row has strengthened the view how Test rugby has become increasingly a 23-man game.

"In my view every member understands this is a collective effort. All the individuals here assisting the team prepare all contribute. This type of selfless mindset hasn't always existed the case in an past squads. That was not my experience during my time as a player."

Delicate Decisions

Several delicate judgments have had to be made, however, with injuries of certain players. The coach also notes he feels "spoilt with options" at fly-half, so this time, the decision one club's young talent who misses out entirely. Given the damp conditions expected, choosing of George Ford in the pivotal role is not a major shock, while the security of New Zealand's back three against high balls is sure to be examined often.

Experience plus Versatility

Then, there is the added value of seasoned players together with necessity for a bench player who can fill in the back three, particularly as a key player still completely ready. "It was possible to select any of the three fly-halves and explain now saying why they're the right player since I think they're all terrific," he said. "George is a very calm presence but also has the ability to unite everyone as one and [put] them on to the front foot. That's exactly what looking for him to deliver this weekend."

Closing Thoughts

Can it prove enough? The team were defeated in all meetings by the All Blacks previously with a combined margin only 10 points, and in terms of taking chances, the opposition remain as sharp ever. Given this scenario, it's likely a strong possibility of an intense battle that potentially boil down to the final stages. Which is clearly what this setup is expecting.