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Selecting your strongest lineup in a big match contest seems increasingly old-fashioned nowadays, evoking memories of different times like classic TV shows. So much so that you could almost anticipate finding this home team selection against New Zealand on Saturday displayed in a reversed order. Despite the All Blacks visiting, the traditional way of picking the team no longer hold true.

Emphasis on the Final Stages

Instead, it's centered on the game ends. This time, the coach opted to selected multiple experienced players on the substitutes compared to only a few among the first XV. At some point during the 50-minute point this weekend, expect a mass change involving fresh players entering the field. As South Africa's famous "impact substitutes" have shown, this approach can be extremely tough to counter.

Possible Pitfall

But, comes a small issue. When facing the world's second-best sides, it is crucial to start well too. Waiting for the introduction from key replacements such as Tom Curry or others could seem less smart should the All Blacks build a significant advantage early on, as they did against the Scots last week.

But this is the modern way for you. And not many know more knowledgeable on the subject than the England coach, as he sat out multiple matches on the substitute during his career.

Historical Context

Including those occasions, Borthwick recalled this week, is the famous match against New Zealand abroad back in 2003, when the forwards was cut to six due to disciplinary issues. At that time, Borthwick along with fellow substitutes stayed unused for the entire 80 minutes.

On the other hand, during a match in Italy the previous year, Clive Woodward brought on four experienced leaders around 56 minutes, a move memorably referred to as "an exceptionally strong substitutes ever."

Current Plan

This team's bench choices nearly rivals that in terms of "impact player" vibes, as England obviously aiming to catch New Zealand during the last 20 minutes. "Every match we have played against them has been close late," the coach said. "Therefore we need suitable personnel on to close out the game... having such a degree of know-how on the bench is also an important advantage for the team."

Fan Perspective

Some those paying premium rates for seats at the stadium wondering if a discount could be available since games now largely hinge around only the final stages instead of the full match. Joking aside, though, there is a further subtly compelling reason: which is Borthwick's trust toward emerging talents like Joe Heyes has becoming sufficiently strong so that the "strongest" starting lineup is not exactly as many supporters would assume.

Selection Choices

If that makes him to be "a bold coach" is a topic he is minded to discuss – "I don't go for tags... I try to select the strongest squad we possibly can to get success" – yet England's current run of nine victories consecutively has strengthened the view that Test the sport is increasingly an entire squad effort.

"In my view each member understands this is a collective endeavor. The 36 players here assisting the team prepare each play a part. That kind of unselfish attitude hasn't necessarily existed present in an England team. It was not my experience during my time as a player."

Delicate Decisions

Several delicate choices are having to occur, however, due to injuries of certain individuals. Borthwick additionally notes that "blessed for choice" in key positions, and on this occasion, it is Northampton's young talent who is omitted completely. Considering the damp conditions expected, choosing of George Ford at No 10 is hardly a huge surprise, and the security the All Blacks' defense under high balls is sure to be examined often.

Experience plus Versatility

Additionally, comes the extra value of seasoned players together with necessity to have substitute player who is able to fill in the back three, particularly as another player still fully ready. "It was possible to select any of the three playmakers and explain here talking why they're the right choice because I think they're all excellent," he commented. "He is a composed leader and possesses the ability to unite the team together driving them on to the front foot. It's exactly what expecting him to deliver this weekend."

Final Outlook

Can it prove sufficient? The team lost in all meetings against the All Blacks last year with a combined margin only a small amount, and regarding converting chances, Scott Robertson's side are as sharp ever. Given this event, there must be a strong possibility of an intense battle which could boil down to the final stages. That's clearly what the England approach are anticipating.