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Choosing the best starting XV in a major match contest feels increasingly quaint nowadays, evoking memories of bygone days like vintage television. To the point that you might nearly expect to see the England lineup to face the All Blacks on Saturday printed in a reversed sequence. Even with New Zealand in town, the traditional method of picking players no longer hold true.

Emphasis on the Final Stages

Rather, the focus is all about how the match finishes. This time, the coach opted to selected six British & Irish Lions for the substitutes versus only four in the first XV. Around the second half point on Saturday, expect a mass substitution involving fresh players entering play. As South Africa's famous "Bomb Squad" have demonstrated, this approach can be extremely tough to counter.

Possible Challenge

However, comes a small issue. While playing one of the globe's top-tier sides, it is vital to start strongly as well. Holding out until the introduction from key replacements such as Tom Curry and teammates might appear less smart if New Zealand build a significant advantage by halftime, like against the Scots last week.

But that's today's approach for you. And few are more knowledgeable about this topic than Borthwick, who sat out several matches as an unused substitute in his career.

Historical Examples

Among these matches, he recalled recently, was a notable match versus the All Blacks in Wellington during 2003, where England's forwards were reduced to six because of yellow cards. At that time, he and other substitutes stayed on the sidelines for the entire match.

On the other hand, during a match in Italy earlier, the then-coach introduced four experienced leaders after 56 minutes, strategy famously described as "an exceptionally strong substitutes ever."

Current Strategy

This team's bench selection almost matches that in terms of "impact player" vibes, with the team obviously aiming to catch New Zealand during the final 20 minutes. "Each match we have faced versus them has gone toward the end," Borthwick said. "Therefore we need suitable personnel on to finish the game... having such a degree of know-how among substitutes is also an important advantage for us."

Spectator Perspective

There will be fans spending premium prices for tickets at the stadium wondering if a discount might be available since games currently effectively depend on only 20-odd minutes rather than the full 80 minutes. Seriously, though, exists a further subtly persuasive reason: which is the coach's trust toward emerging talents like Joe Heyes has grown sufficiently deep that the "strongest" first lineup may not be exactly as many fans might assume.

Picking Choices

Whether this makes him as "a bold selector" is a topic he's inclined to discuss – "I'm not into tags... I try and pick the strongest team possible for success" – yet the team's ongoing run of nine Test wins consecutively has reinforced the view that international rugby has become increasingly a 23-man game.

"In my view each member understands this is a collective effort. All the individuals here assisting the team prepare all play a part. This type of selfless attitude hasn't necessarily existed the case with England team. It was different when I was a player."

Delicate Judgments

Several delicate judgments are having to occur, even so, with injuries of key individuals. Borthwick additionally notes he feels "blessed for choice" in key positions, so on this occasion, it is one club's Fin Smith who is omitted completely. Given the damp conditions expected, the selection of George Ford in the pivotal role is hardly a major shock, and ability the All Blacks' defense under kicks will likely to be tested frequently.

Experience and Flexibility

Additionally, there is the extra value of experience and the need to have a bench option that can fill in other positions, especially as a key individual not yet completely fit. "I could have select any of the available playmakers and explain now talking about how they're the best choice because I believe they're all terrific," he said. "He is a very calm leader and possesses the skill to unite the team as one and [put] the team on to the front foot. It's exactly what looking for him to do this weekend."

Final Thoughts

Will it prove sufficient? The team were defeated three times by the All Blacks last year with a combined margin only a small amount, and in terms of taking opportunities, Scott Robertson's side are as sharp as any. Given this scenario, there must be every chance of an intense contest which could come down to the last stages. That's clearly what this approach is anticipating.