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Picking the top starting XV in a major match game appears increasingly old-fashioned nowadays, bringing back thoughts of different times such as vintage television. To the point where one could nearly anticipate finding the England selection against the All Blacks this weekend displayed in a jumbled sequence. Despite New Zealand visiting, this conventional method of choosing players no longer hold true.

Focus on the Final Stages

Instead, the focus is all about the match ends. On this occasion, the coach opted to selected six experienced players on the substitutes compared to only a few in the starting lineup. Around the 50-minute mark this weekend, expect a mass substitution with new talent joining play. Similar to the Springboks' famous "Bomb Squad" has demonstrated, such a approach can be extremely difficult for opponents.

Potential Challenge

However, there is one minor issue. When playing one of the globe's second-best teams, it's essential to begin strongly as well. Waiting for the arrival of star substitutes like Tom Curry or others might seem not so smart if the All Blacks take a significant advantage early on, as they did against the Scots at Murrayfield.

Yet that's today's approach in rugby. Furthermore not many are more expert about this topic compared to the England coach, as he spent multiple matches as an unused bench during his playing days.

Past Context

Including those occasions, Borthwick mentioned recently, is the famous match against New Zealand abroad back in 2003, where the forwards were reduced to six because of disciplinary issues. At that time, he along with fellow reserves remained on the sidelines throughout the match.

On the other hand, in Rome the previous year, Clive Woodward introduced multiple experienced leaders after 56 minutes, a move memorably described like "the most illustrious bench ever."

Current Strategy

The current England substitute selection almost matches those in terms of "Big Dog" energy, with England obviously aiming to overtake New Zealand in the last 20 minutes. "Every game we have faced versus New Zealand has gone late," the coach stated. "Therefore it's crucial the right personnel on to close out the game... utilizing that level of know-how among substitutes is an important advantage for us."

Fan Considerations

There will be those spending premium prices on seats at the stadium questioning whether reduced pricing could be available since matches currently largely hinge on just 20-odd minutes rather than the full 80 minutes. Joking aside, however, exists a further subtly compelling explanation: that Borthwick's confidence toward younger talents such as Fin Baxter is grown so strong that England's "best" first team may not be precisely what casual fans would think.

Picking Choices

If this qualifies Borthwick to be "a bold selector" is a topic he inclined to talk about – "I'm not go for labels... I aim to select the strongest team possible to get the results" – but the team's ongoing run with nine victories consecutively has strengthened the view that international the sport is increasingly an entire squad game.

"I think every player recognizes this is a collective effort. The 36 individuals in camp helping the team prepare all contribute. This type of unselfish attitude hasn't always been the case with past squads. It was different when I was playing."

Tough Judgments

Several delicate choices are having to be made, however, with injuries of certain players. Borthwick additionally notes that "blessed with options" at fly-half, and this time, it is Northampton's young talent who misses out entirely. Given the damp weather forecast, choosing an experienced player in the pivotal role is hardly a huge surprise, and the security of New Zealand's defense under high balls is sure face examined frequently.

Experience and Versatility

Then, there is the extra importance of seasoned players together with the need to have a bench option who can fill in other positions, especially with a key individual not yet completely ready. "It was possible to picked any of the available fly-halves and be sat now saying about how they're the right choice because I believe each one is terrific," Borthwick commented. "He is a very calm leader and possesses the skill to bring everyone together driving them onto the front foot. It's what I'll be expecting him to do this weekend."

Closing Thoughts

Will it all be enough? The team lost three times by the All Blacks previously by a total difference of just a small amount, while regarding converting opportunities, Scott Robertson's side are highly effective ever. In that scenario, it's likely every chance of a close battle that potentially come down to the last stages. That's clearly what the England approach are anticipating.