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Choosing your best starting XV for a big rugby game seems more and more outdated today, evoking thoughts of past eras like vintage television. So much so where you could nearly anticipate to see this England selection to face New Zealand this weekend printed with a reversed sequence. Even with New Zealand in town, the traditional way for picking players doesn't applies.

Focus on the Final Stages

Rather, the focus is all about the game ends. This time, the coach opted to selected multiple British & Irish Lions on the bench versus only a few among the starting lineup. Around the second half point this weekend, expect an extensive substitution involving fresh talent entering play. Similar to South Africa's renowned "Bomb Squad" has demonstrated, this tactic can be very tough to counter.

Potential Pitfall

However, there is one small snag. When facing one of the globe's second-best teams, it's essential to begin strongly as well. Holding out for the introduction of star substitutes like Tom Curry or others could seem not so brilliant if the All Blacks build a significant advantage early on, like against Scotland last week.

But this is the modern approach in rugby. And not many know more expert about the subject than Borthwick, as he sat out multiple games on the bench in his playing days.

Historical Examples

Including those occasions, Borthwick mentioned this week, was the famous Test against New Zealand abroad during 2003, when the pack were reduced down because of yellow cards. At that time, he along with other reserves remained unused for the entire match.

Conversely, in Rome earlier, the then-coach brought on four experienced leaders after the hour mark, a move memorably described as "the most illustrious substitutes ever."

Today's Plan

The current England bench choices almost rivals that in terms of "impact player" energy, as the team obviously aiming to overtake the opposition during the last 20 minutes. "Every match we have faced against them has been close late," Borthwick said. "Therefore we need the right personnel available to close out strongly... utilizing that level of know-how on the bench is also a key advantage for us."

Spectator Perspective

There will be those spending high rates on tickets at the stadium questioning if reduced pricing could be offered if matches currently largely hinge on just the final minutes rather than the full match. Joking aside, though, there is a further quietly persuasive reason: which is the coach's trust in emerging talents such as Joe Heyes is grown so deep so that the "strongest" first team is not precisely what many supporters would think.

Selection Decisions

If that makes him as "an adventurous coach" is not something he is minded to discuss – "I don't into tags... I try to select the strongest squad possible for the results" – yet the team's current run with nine victories consecutively has reinforced the view how international rugby is increasingly a 23-man effort.

"I think every member recognizes that it's a team endeavor. All the individuals in camp helping the team get ready all contribute. This type of unselfish mindset hasn't necessarily existed present in an past squads. That was not my experience when I was a player."

Tough Judgments

Several difficult judgments have had to occur, even so, with the absence of key players. Borthwick also says that "spoilt with options" at fly-half, so this time, it is Northampton's Fin Smith who is omitted completely. Considering wet conditions expected, choosing of George Ford in the pivotal role is hardly a major surprise, while ability of New Zealand's back three against high balls will likely face tested frequently.

Experience plus Versatility

Then, there is the extra value of experience together with necessity for substitute option who is able to fill in the back three, especially as another individual still completely ready. "It was possible to picked any of the three playmakers and be sat now saying about how they're the right player since I believe they're all excellent," Borthwick said. "George is a composed leader and possesses the ability to unite everyone as one and [put] them on to the front foot. That's exactly what looking for him to do this weekend."

Final Thoughts

Will it all be sufficient? The team lost in all meetings by New Zealand previously with a combined difference only a small amount, and in terms of taking opportunities, the opposition remain as sharp ever. Given this event, there must be every chance of a close contest that potentially boil down to the final stages. That's exactly what this setup are anticipating.