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Selecting your best starting XV in a important match game feels more and more old-fashioned these days, evoking thoughts of different times like classic TV shows. So much so that one might nearly anticipate finding this England lineup against the All Blacks on Saturday displayed with a reversed sequence. Despite New Zealand in town, the traditional method of choosing the team no longer hold true.

Focus on the Endgame

Rather, it's centered on the game ends. On this occasion, Steve Borthwick has selected multiple experienced players on the substitutes compared to only a few in the starting lineup. Around the second half point this weekend, expect a mass change involving new talent entering the field. Similar to South Africa's famous "Bomb Squad" have shown, this approach can be very tough to counter.

Potential Challenge

But, comes one minor issue. When playing one of the globe's second-best sides, it is essential to start strongly too. Waiting until the arrival from star substitutes such as Tom Curry or teammates could seem not so brilliant should the All Blacks take a significant advantage early on, like versus the Scots last week.

Yet this is the modern way in rugby. Furthermore few are more knowledgeable about the subject than the England coach, as he spent multiple games on the substitute in his career.

Historical Context

Including these occasions, Borthwick recalled recently, is the famous match versus New Zealand abroad during 2003, when England's pack were cut down due to yellow cards. Even then, Borthwick and other substitutes stayed on the sidelines for the entire match.

Conversely, in Rome earlier, Clive Woodward introduced four England captains around 56 minutes, strategy famously referred to as "an exceptionally strong substitutes ever."

Today's Plan

The current England bench choices almost rivals those in terms of "impact player" vibes, as the team obviously aiming to overtake New Zealand in the last 20 minutes. "Each game we have played versus New Zealand has gone late," Borthwick stated. "Therefore we need suitable players on to close out strongly... having that level of know-how among substitutes is an important advantage for the team."

Spectator Considerations

Some those spending high rates for seats at the stadium wondering whether a discount might be available since matches now largely depend around just the final minutes instead of the full 80 minutes. Joking aside, though, there is a further subtly persuasive reason: which is the coach's trust toward younger players like Fin Baxter has becoming so deep that the "strongest" starting lineup is not precisely as casual supporters would assume.

Selection Choices

If that qualifies him to be "a bold selector" remains not something he is minded to talk about – "I don't go for tags... I try to select the best squad we possibly can for the results" – but the team's ongoing streak of nine Test wins consecutively has strengthened his belief that international the sport is increasingly a 23-man effort.

"In my view each member recognizes that it's a collective effort. All the individuals in camp helping us get ready each contribute. That kind of selfless mindset hasn't always been present in an past squads. That was not my experience during my time as a player."

Delicate Decisions

Several delicate choices have had to occur, even so, with the absence of certain players. The coach also notes he feels "blessed for choice" at fly-half, so this time, the decision Northampton's young talent who is omitted completely. Given wet conditions expected, choosing of George Ford in the pivotal role is hardly a major surprise, and the security the All Blacks' back three under kicks will likely to be tested frequently.

Experience and Flexibility

Additionally, comes the extra value of seasoned players together with necessity for substitute option who is able to fill in the back three, especially with another individual not yet completely fit. "I could have select either of the three fly-halves then explain here saying why they're the right choice because I think each one is terrific," he commented. "He is a composed presence and has the skill to unite everyone together driving the team on to attack. That's exactly what looking for from him to do on Saturday."

Final Thoughts

Will it prove enough? England were defeated in all meetings against New Zealand last year by a total margin only 10 points, and regarding taking chances, the opposition remain as sharp ever. In that scenario, it's likely every chance of a close battle that potentially come down to the final stages. Which is clearly what the England approach are expecting.