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Choosing your top starting XV for a big match game appears increasingly outdated nowadays, bringing back thoughts of bygone days like classic TV shows. To the point where you could nearly anticipate finding the home team selection to face the All Blacks this weekend printed with a jumbled sequence. Even with New Zealand visiting, this traditional way of picking players doesn't hold true.

Emphasis on the Endgame

Instead, the focus is centered on the match concludes. This time, the coach opted to chosen six experienced players for the substitutes versus only four in the starting lineup. Around the 50-minute point on Saturday, there will be a mass substitution involving new players entering the field. As the Springboks' famous "Bomb Squad" have demonstrated, this approach is very tough to counter.

Potential Challenge

But, comes one small snag. While playing the world's top-tier sides, it's vital to begin strongly as well. Waiting for the introduction from key replacements such as Tom Curry or others could appear less smart if New Zealand take a large advantage by halftime, like against Scotland last week.

But that's the modern way for you. Furthermore few know more expert about this topic than Borthwick, who spent multiple games as an unused substitute in his career.

Past Context

Including these occasions, Borthwick mentioned recently, is the famous match versus New Zealand abroad during 2003, when England's pack were reduced to six because of yellow cards. At that time, Borthwick along with other reserves remained unused throughout the match.

On the other hand, during a match in Italy earlier, Clive Woodward brought on four England captains after 56 minutes, a move famously referred to as "the most illustrious bench ever."

Today's Strategy

This team's bench choices almost rivals those in terms of "Big Dog" energy, as the team obviously hoping to overtake the opposition in the final 20 minutes. "Every match we have played against them has been close late," Borthwick said. "So we need the right players on to close out the game... having that level of experience on the bench is a key asset for us."

Spectator Perspective

There will be fans spending high prices on tickets at the stadium wondering if reduced pricing could be available if matches now effectively depend around just the final stages instead of the entire match. Joking aside, though, exists a further quietly persuasive explanation: that the coach's trust in emerging players like Fin Baxter has becoming sufficiently strong so that England's "best" first lineup is not precisely what many supporters might think.

Selection Decisions

If that qualifies him as "an adventurous selector" is a topic he is minded to talk about – "I don't into labels... I try and pick the strongest squad we possibly can for the results" – but the team's ongoing run of nine victories in a row has strengthened his belief that Test rugby has become more of an entire squad game.

"I think every player recognizes this is a collective effort. All the individuals here assisting us prepare each contribute. That kind of unselfish attitude hasn't always existed the case with past squads. It was different during my time as a player."

Tough Judgments

Some delicate judgments have had to occur, even so, due to the absence of key players. Borthwick additionally says that "spoilt for choice" at fly-half, and this time, the decision one club's young talent that misses out entirely. Given wet weather forecast, the selection an experienced player at No 10 is hardly a major shock, while ability of New Zealand's defense under kicks will likely face tested frequently.

Know-How plus Flexibility

Then, there is the added value of experience together with necessity for substitute option who is able to slot into the back three, especially as a key individual still fully ready. "I could have picked either of the three playmakers and explain here saying about how they're the best choice because I think they're all terrific," he commented. "He provides composed presence but also has the skill to bring everyone as one driving them on to attack. That's what I'll be looking for him to deliver this weekend."

Final Outlook

Can it prove sufficient? England lost three times against New Zealand last year by a total difference of just 10 points, and regarding converting opportunities, Scott Robertson's side remain as sharp ever. Given this event, it's likely a strong possibility of a close battle which potentially boil down to the last 20 minutes. That's exactly what this approach is anticipating.