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Picking the best starting XV for a big rugby contest feels more and more old-fashioned these days, bringing back memories of bygone days like vintage television. To the point where one could nearly expect finding the home team lineup to face the All Blacks on Saturday printed with a reversed sequence. Despite New Zealand visiting, the conventional way of choosing players doesn't applies.

Focus on the Endgame

Instead, it's centered on how the game ends. On this occasion, Steve Borthwick has selected multiple experienced players on the bench versus only four in the first XV. At some point the 50-minute mark this weekend, there will be an extensive substitution with new players joining play. Similar to the Springboks' renowned "Bomb Squad" have shown, such a approach can be very tough to counter.

Potential Challenge

However, comes a minor snag. While playing the world's second-best sides, it is crucial to start strongly too. Holding out for the introduction from key substitutes such as Tom Curry or teammates might seem not so brilliant should New Zealand build a large lead by halftime, like against the Scots last week.

Yet that's today's approach for you. Furthermore not many are more knowledgeable about this topic compared to the England coach, as he sat out several matches as an unused bench in his playing days.

Historical Context

Among those occasions, Borthwick mentioned recently, was a notable match against the All Blacks in Wellington back in 2003, when England's pack were reduced to six because of disciplinary issues. At that time, Borthwick and fellow substitutes stayed on the sidelines for the entire 80 minutes.

Conversely, in Rome the previous year, the then-coach introduced multiple England captains around 56 minutes, strategy memorably described like "the most illustrious substitutes since."

Current Plan

The current team's bench selection nearly rivals that in terms of "Big Dog" energy, as the team clearly hoping to overtake the opposition during the last quarter. "Every match we've played versus them has been close toward the end," Borthwick said. "So we need suitable personnel available to finish strongly... having that level of experience among substitutes is also an important asset for the team."

Spectator Perspective

Some those spending premium prices for seats this weekend questioning if reduced pricing could be available since matches now effectively hinge around just the final stages rather than the entire match. Seriously, however, there is a further quietly persuasive explanation: that Borthwick's trust in emerging talents such as Joe Heyes has grown sufficiently deep that England's "best" starting team is not exactly as casual supporters might think.

Picking Choices

Whether this makes Borthwick to be "an adventurous coach" is not something he is minded to talk about – "I don't into tags... I aim to select the best squad possible for the results" – yet the team's current streak with nine Test wins consecutively has strengthened his belief how Test the sport is increasingly a 23-man effort.

"I think every member recognizes this is a team effort. The 36 players here assisting us prepare each play a part. This type of selfless mindset has not always existed the case with past squads. It was different during my time as playing."

Delicate Decisions

Several difficult choices are having to occur, however, due to injuries of certain individuals. The coach additionally notes he feels "spoilt for choice" at fly-half, and this time, the decision Northampton's young talent that misses out completely. Considering wet weather forecast, choosing of George Ford at No 10 is hardly a huge shock, and ability of New Zealand's back three under kicks will likely to be tested frequently.

Know-How and Versatility

Additionally, there is the extra value of experience and the need to have a bench option who is able to fill in other positions, particularly with another player still fully fit. "I could have select either of the available fly-halves and explain now talking why each is the best choice since I think they're all excellent," Borthwick said. "He provides very calm presence but also possesses the ability to unite the team as one driving the team on to attack. It's what I'll be looking for from him to deliver this weekend."

Final Thoughts

Can it all be enough? England were defeated three times by New Zealand previously by a total difference only a small amount, while in terms of converting chances, the opposition remain highly effective as any. In that event, there must be a strong possibility of a close battle that could come down to the last 20 minutes. Which is clearly what this setup is anticipating.