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Selecting the best starting XV for a major rugby game appears increasingly old-fashioned today, bringing back thoughts of past eras such as vintage television. To the point that you could almost anticipate to see the home team lineup to face the All Blacks this weekend printed with a reversed order. Despite New Zealand in town, the traditional method of picking the team no longer hold true.

Focus on the Endgame

Instead, the focus is centered on how the match concludes. On this occasion, Steve Borthwick has chosen multiple experienced players for the bench versus just four in the first XV. Around the second half mark on Saturday, there will be a mass change involving fresh players entering play. Similar to South Africa's famous "Bomb Squad" has demonstrated, this tactic is very tough for opponents.

Possible Pitfall

However, comes a small issue. While facing the world's second-best sides, it's essential to begin strongly too. Holding out for the introduction from star replacements such as Ellis Genge and others might seem not so smart if New Zealand take a large lead early on, as they did against the Scots at Murrayfield.

Yet that's today's way in rugby. Furthermore not many know more expert on this topic compared to the England coach, who sat out several matches as an unused bench in his career.

Historical Context

Among these occasions, Borthwick mentioned recently, was a notable Test against the All Blacks in Wellington during 2003, when England's forwards was reduced down due to yellow cards. At that time, he along with other substitutes remained on the sidelines for the entire 80 minutes.

On the other hand, during a match in Italy the previous year, Clive Woodward brought on four England captains after the hour mark, strategy famously described as "the most illustrious substitutes ever."

Today's Plan

The current team's substitute selection almost rivals that in terms of "impact player" energy, with England clearly hoping to overtake New Zealand during the last quarter. "Each match we've played against New Zealand has gone toward the end," Borthwick said. "So we need suitable personnel on to close out the game... having such a degree of know-how on the bench is a key advantage for us."

Fan Perspective

Some those spending premium rates for seats at the stadium wondering if a discount could be offered since games now effectively hinge on only the final minutes instead of the entire match. Joking aside, though, there is a further subtly compelling explanation: that the coach's confidence toward emerging players such as Joe Heyes has grown sufficiently strong that England's "best" first team is not precisely as many supporters might think.

Picking Decisions

Whether this makes him as "a bold coach" remains not something he's is minded to talk about – "I don't into tags... I aim to select the best squad possible to get success" – but England's current run of nine victories consecutively has strengthened his belief how Test the sport is more of a 23-man game.

"I think every member recognizes that it's a collective effort. All the individuals in camp assisting the team get ready each play a part. This type of unselfish mindset hasn't always existed the case with England team. That was different during my time as a player."

Delicate Judgments

Several difficult choices have had to occur, even so, due to the absence of certain individuals. Borthwick also notes that "spoilt with options" at fly-half, and on this occasion, it is Northampton's Fin Smith that is omitted entirely. Considering wet conditions expected, choosing an experienced player in the pivotal role is hardly a major surprise, while the security the All Blacks' back three against high balls is sure face examined often.

Know-How plus Versatility

Then, there is the added importance of experience together with the need to have substitute option that is able to slot into the back three, especially with a key individual still completely fit. "I could have select either of the available fly-halves and explain now talking why each is the best choice because I believe each one is terrific," he said. "He is a composed presence and possesses the skill to bring everyone together driving the team onto the front foot. It's exactly what expecting from him to do on Saturday."

Closing Thoughts

Can it prove sufficient? The team lost in all meetings by New Zealand last year with a combined margin only a small amount, while in terms of converting chances, Scott Robertson's side are as sharp as any. Given this scenario, there must be every chance of a close battle which could boil down to the last stages. Which is clearly what the England approach are expecting.