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Selecting the strongest starting XV in a big match game appears increasingly outdated nowadays, bringing back memories of different times like classic TV shows. So much so where one could nearly expect finding the home team lineup to face the All Blacks on Saturday printed with a reversed order. Despite the All Blacks visiting, the conventional way for picking players no longer hold true.

Emphasis on the Final Stages

Rather, it's all about the match finishes. This time, Steve Borthwick opted to selected multiple experienced players for the bench versus just four in the starting lineup. At some point the 50-minute point on Saturday, expect a mass substitution with fresh talent entering play. As the Springboks' renowned "Bomb Squad" have shown, this tactic is very tough to counter.

Possible Pitfall

But, comes one small snag. While facing the world's second-best teams, it is crucial to begin well too. Waiting until the introduction from star replacements such as Tom Curry and teammates might seem not so smart should New Zealand build a large advantage by halftime, like versus Scotland last week.

But that's the modern way in rugby. Furthermore few are more expert on this topic than Borthwick, who sat out multiple games as an unused bench during his playing days.

Past Examples

Including these occasions, he mentioned this week, was a notable Test against New Zealand abroad during 2003, where England's pack was reduced down because of disciplinary issues. At that time, Borthwick along with other reserves stayed unused for the entire match.

Conversely, during a match in Italy earlier, the then-coach brought on four England captains around the hour mark, a move famously referred to like "an exceptionally strong bench ever."

Today's Strategy

The current England substitute choices almost matches those for "impact player" vibes, as England obviously hoping to catch the opposition in the last quarter. "Each game we have played against them has gone toward the end," Borthwick said. "So it's crucial suitable players available to finish the game... having such a degree of experience among substitutes is also a key advantage for us."

Fan Considerations

There will be those spending high rates for seats at the stadium wondering whether reduced pricing might be available if matches currently effectively hinge on just the final minutes rather than the full 80 minutes. Joking aside, however, exists a further subtly compelling explanation: which is Borthwick's confidence toward younger talents such as Fin Baxter is becoming sufficiently strong that the "best" first lineup is not exactly what casual fans might think.

Selection Choices

Whether that qualifies Borthwick to be "a bold selector" is not something he's is minded to discuss – "I don't into tags... I aim to select the strongest team possible for success" – but England's current streak with nine victories consecutively has strengthened his belief how international the sport has become more of a 23-man effort.

"I think every member recognizes that it's a team endeavor. All the players here helping us prepare each contribute. This type of unselfish attitude hasn't always been the case with England team. That was different during my time as playing."

Delicate Judgments

Some difficult judgments are having to be made, even so, with the absence of certain players. The coach additionally notes he feels "spoilt with options" at fly-half, so this time, the decision one club's Fin Smith that misses out completely. Considering wet conditions expected, choosing of George Ford in the pivotal role is not a major shock, and ability the All Blacks' back three under high balls is sure face tested frequently.

Experience plus Versatility

Then, comes the extra importance of experience and the need to have a bench player who can fill in the back three, especially as another player not yet fully ready. "It was possible to select any of the available fly-halves then explain here talking why each is the best player since I believe each one is excellent," Borthwick commented. "George is a very calm presence and has the ability to bring the team together and [put] the team onto attack. It's what I'll be looking for from him to do this weekend."

Closing Thoughts

Can it all be sufficient? England were defeated three times by the All Blacks last year by a total margin only 10 points, while regarding converting chances, the opposition are as sharp as any. In that scenario, there must be every chance of a close contest that could come down to the last 20 minutes. Which is clearly what this approach are expecting.