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Picking your top lineup in a major match contest seems more and more outdated today, bringing back thoughts of bygone days like classic TV shows. To the point that you might almost expect to see this home team lineup against New Zealand on Saturday printed with a reversed order. Despite New Zealand visiting, this traditional way for choosing players no longer applies.

Emphasis on the Final Stages

Instead, it's centered on how the match concludes. This time, the coach has chosen multiple British & Irish Lions for the substitutes versus just a few among the first XV. Around during the 50-minute mark this weekend, expect a mass substitution involving new talent joining the field. Similar to South Africa's renowned "impact substitutes" have demonstrated, such a tactic can be very difficult to counter.

Possible Pitfall

But, there is a small issue. When facing one of the globe's second-best teams, it's vital to start strongly too. Waiting for the arrival from star replacements like Tom Curry or others could seem not so brilliant if the All Blacks take a large advantage early on, like versus the Scots at Murrayfield.

Yet that's the modern way for you. And few are more knowledgeable about this topic compared to the England coach, who spent several matches on the bench during his career.

Historical Examples

Among those matches, he mentioned recently, was the famous Test versus the All Blacks in Wellington during 2003, where England's pack was reduced down due to disciplinary issues. At that time, Borthwick along with fellow substitutes remained unused for the entire 80 minutes.

On the other hand, during a match in Italy earlier, Clive Woodward introduced four experienced leaders around 56 minutes, a move famously described as "an exceptionally strong substitutes ever."

Today's Plan

The current England substitute choices nearly matches that in terms of "impact player" energy, as the team clearly aiming to overtake the opposition during the final 20 minutes. "Each match we have faced against them has been close late," Borthwick said. "Therefore we need the right personnel on to close out strongly... utilizing that level of know-how on the bench is also an important asset for the team."

Fan Perspective

There will be fans spending premium rates on seats at the stadium questioning if a discount might be offered since games currently effectively depend around only 20-odd minutes rather than the entire 80 minutes. Seriously, however, there is a further quietly compelling reason: which is the coach's trust in younger players such as Fin Baxter has grown so deep so that the "strongest" starting lineup is not exactly as casual supporters might think.

Picking Decisions

If this qualifies him to be "an adventurous selector" is a topic he is minded to talk about – "I'm not go for tags... I try and pick the best squad possible for the results" – yet England's current streak with nine victories in a row has reinforced his belief how international the sport has become increasingly a 23-man game.

"In my view every player understands this is a team endeavor. All the individuals in camp assisting us prepare all contribute. This type of unselfish mindset has not always existed present in an past squads. It was not my experience when I was playing."

Tough Judgments

Several difficult choices have had to occur, however, due to injuries of key players. Borthwick additionally notes that "spoilt for choice" at fly-half, so on this occasion, the decision one club's young talent who misses out completely. Considering the damp weather forecast, the selection of George Ford in the pivotal role is not a major surprise, while ability the All Blacks' defense against kicks is sure face examined often.

Know-How plus Versatility

Additionally, comes the added importance of experience together with necessity to have substitute option who is able to fill in the back three, particularly with a key player not yet completely fit. "I could have picked either of the three fly-halves then explain here talking about how they're the right choice because I think each one is excellent," Borthwick said. "He provides composed leader and has the skill to unite the team as one driving them onto attack. It's what I'll be looking for from him to do on Saturday."

Closing Outlook

Will it all be sufficient? The team were defeated three times by the All Blacks last year with a combined difference only 10 points, while in terms of taking opportunities, the opposition are highly effective ever. In that scenario, it's likely every chance of a close battle that potentially come down to the last stages. Which is exactly what this approach are anticipating.