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Choosing your strongest starting XV for a important match contest seems increasingly old-fashioned these days, evoking thoughts of past eras such as classic TV shows. To the point where you could nearly anticipate to see this England selection against New Zealand this weekend displayed in a jumbled sequence. Even with New Zealand in town, this conventional way for picking the team no longer applies.

Focus on the Endgame

Instead, it's centered on the game finishes. This time, the coach opted to selected six British & Irish Lions for the substitutes compared to just a few in the first XV. At some point the second half mark on Saturday, expect an extensive change with new players entering the field. Similar to South Africa's renowned "impact substitutes" have demonstrated, this tactic is very difficult for opponents.

Possible Challenge

However, comes a minor issue. When facing the world's top-tier sides, it's vital to begin strongly too. Holding out until the introduction of star replacements such as Ellis Genge and others might appear not so brilliant should New Zealand take a large lead early on, like versus Scotland last week.

Yet that's the modern approach in rugby. And not many know more knowledgeable about this topic than Borthwick, who spent multiple games on the substitute in his career.

Historical Examples

Among those matches, Borthwick recalled this week, is the famous match versus the All Blacks in Wellington during 2003, where England's pack was cut to six due to yellow cards. At that time, Borthwick along with fellow reserves stayed unused for the entire match.

Conversely, in Rome earlier, Clive Woodward brought on multiple England captains after the hour mark, a move famously described as "an exceptionally strong substitutes since."

Today's Strategy

This team's bench selection almost rivals that in terms of "Big Dog" energy, as the team clearly hoping to overtake the opposition in the last 20 minutes. "Each match we have played versus them has been close late," the coach stated. "So we need the right personnel on to close out strongly... utilizing such a degree of experience among substitutes is an important asset for us."

Spectator Considerations

There will be those spending high rates on tickets at the stadium questioning whether a discount might be available since matches currently effectively hinge around only 20-odd minutes rather than the entire match. Joking aside, though, there is a further subtly persuasive explanation: that the coach's trust toward emerging talents such as Fin Baxter has becoming so strong so that the "best" starting lineup may not be precisely what many fans would assume.

Picking Decisions

Whether this qualifies Borthwick to be "a bold selector" remains not something he is minded to talk about – "I don't go for tags... I try and pick the best team possible to get success" – yet England's current run of nine victories in a row has reinforced the view how Test rugby has become more of an entire squad game.

"In my view each player recognizes this is a team effort. The 36 players in camp helping us prepare all play a part. This type of unselfish mindset hasn't necessarily been the case in an past squads. That was different during my time as playing."

Tough Judgments

Several difficult judgments have had to be made, even so, with injuries of certain players. The coach also says that "blessed for choice" in key positions, so this time, the decision one club's Fin Smith who is omitted completely. Considering wet conditions expected, the selection of George Ford at No 10 is not a major surprise, and ability of New Zealand's back three under high balls is sure face tested often.

Experience plus Versatility

Additionally, there is the extra value of seasoned players together with the need for substitute option who is able to fill in other positions, particularly as a key individual still fully ready. "I could have picked any of the three playmakers then explain here talking about how each is the best player since I think each one is terrific," Borthwick said. "He provides very calm leader but also possesses the skill to unite the team together driving the team onto attack. It's exactly what expecting from him to deliver this weekend."

Final Thoughts

Can it prove sufficient? England lost three times by the All Blacks previously with a combined margin only 10 points, and regarding taking opportunities, the opposition remain as sharp as any. In that event, there must be a strong possibility of an intense contest that potentially boil down to the last 20 minutes. That's clearly what this setup is anticipating.