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Selecting your strongest starting XV in a important match contest seems more and more old-fashioned nowadays, evoking memories of bygone days like vintage television. So much so that one could nearly expect to see this home team lineup to face the All Blacks this weekend printed with a reversed order. Even with the All Blacks visiting, this conventional method of choosing the team no longer hold true.

Emphasis on the Final Stages

Instead, the focus is centered on how the game concludes. This time, Steve Borthwick has chosen multiple British & Irish Lions on the substitutes compared to only a few among the starting lineup. At some point the second half mark on Saturday, there will be a mass change involving fresh players joining the field. As South Africa's famous "Bomb Squad" has demonstrated, such a tactic is extremely tough for opponents.

Potential Challenge

However, comes one small issue. While playing one of the globe's second-best teams, it's crucial to begin strongly too. Holding out until the introduction of key substitutes like Ellis Genge and others could seem not so smart should New Zealand take a significant advantage by halftime, like versus the Scots last week.

But this is today's approach in rugby. Furthermore not many know more expert about this topic than the England coach, as he sat out several games on the substitute in his playing days.

Past Context

Among these matches, he mentioned this week, was the famous match against New Zealand abroad during 2003, when the forwards was cut to six because of yellow cards. Even then, he and other reserves stayed on the sidelines throughout the 80 minutes.

Conversely, in Rome earlier, the then-coach brought on multiple England captains around 56 minutes, a move memorably described like "an exceptionally strong bench since."

Today's Plan

The current England substitute choices almost rivals those in terms of "impact player" vibes, with the team clearly hoping to overtake the opposition in the final quarter. "Each game we've faced versus New Zealand has been close toward the end," Borthwick said. "So it's crucial suitable personnel on to close out strongly... utilizing such a degree of know-how among substitutes is also a key advantage for us."

Spectator Considerations

Some those spending premium rates on seats this weekend questioning whether reduced pricing could be available if games now largely depend around just the final stages rather than the full match. Joking aside, though, there is another subtly compelling reason: which is Borthwick's trust in emerging players like Fin Baxter is grown sufficiently deep so that England's "strongest" starting team is not precisely as many fans would think.

Selection Choices

Whether that makes Borthwick as "an adventurous coach" is not something he is minded to discuss – "I'm not into tags... I aim and pick the strongest squad possible to get the results" – yet England's current run with nine victories in a row has reinforced the view how Test rugby has become increasingly a 23-man effort.

"I think each member recognizes that it's a collective effort. All the individuals here assisting the team prepare each play a part. That kind of unselfish attitude has not necessarily been the case in an England team. That was different during my time as a player."

Tough Judgments

Some delicate judgments are having to be made, however, due to the absence of key individuals. The coach additionally says that "spoilt with options" at fly-half, and on this occasion, it is Northampton's Fin Smith that is omitted completely. Considering the damp weather forecast, the selection an experienced player in the pivotal role is not a major surprise, while ability of New Zealand's back three under high balls will likely to be examined often.

Know-How and Versatility

Additionally, there is the added value of seasoned players together with the need for substitute option who can fill in the back three, particularly as another player not yet completely ready. "I could have picked either of the available fly-halves and be sat now saying why they're the best player since I think they're all excellent," Borthwick commented. "He is a composed leader and has the skill to unite the team as one driving the team onto the front foot. That's what I'll be looking for from him to deliver on Saturday."

Final Outlook

Can it all be sufficient? England lost three times against New Zealand previously by a total margin only 10 points, while regarding converting opportunities, the opposition are as sharp ever. Given this event, there must be a strong possibility of an intense contest which potentially come down to the last 20 minutes. Which is clearly what the England setup is expecting.