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Selecting your top starting XV for a major match game appears more and more old-fashioned nowadays, bringing back memories of bygone days such as classic TV shows. To the point that you could nearly anticipate finding the home team selection against the All Blacks this weekend printed in a jumbled sequence. Even with the All Blacks visiting, this traditional method for picking players doesn't applies.

Focus on the Endgame

Rather, the focus is all about the game ends. This time, the coach has selected multiple British & Irish Lions for the substitutes versus only four among the first XV. Around during the 50-minute mark this weekend, expect a mass substitution with new talent entering play. Similar to the Springboks' famous "Bomb Squad" have demonstrated, this approach is very difficult for opponents.

Potential Pitfall

However, comes a small snag. When playing one of the globe's second-best sides, it's essential to start well too. Waiting for the introduction from star replacements such as Ellis Genge and teammates could appear less smart if New Zealand build a significant advantage by halftime, like against Scotland at Murrayfield.

But this is the modern approach for you. And few know more expert on the subject than the England coach, as he spent several matches as an unused substitute in his career.

Past Context

Including those matches, he mentioned recently, was the famous Test against New Zealand in Wellington back in 2003, where the pack were reduced down because of disciplinary issues. Even then, he and other reserves remained unused throughout the 80 minutes.

On the other hand, in Rome earlier, the then-coach introduced four England captains around 56 minutes, a move memorably described like "the most illustrious bench ever."

Current Strategy

The current team's bench choices almost matches those for "impact player" energy, as England clearly hoping to catch New Zealand in the final 20 minutes. "Each match we've faced against New Zealand has been close late," the coach said. "Therefore it's crucial suitable players on to finish the game... utilizing that level of experience on the bench is also an important asset for us."

Spectator Considerations

Some those paying high rates on tickets at the stadium wondering if reduced pricing might be available since games now largely depend around only the final stages instead of the entire 80 minutes. Seriously, though, exists a further quietly compelling reason: that Borthwick's trust toward younger talents such as Joe Heyes has becoming so strong so that England's "best" first team may not be precisely as many fans might assume.

Picking Decisions

Whether that makes Borthwick as "an adventurous coach" is not something he's inclined to talk about – "I'm not into tags... I try and pick the strongest squad possible for success" – yet England's current streak of nine Test wins in a row has reinforced the view that international the sport is more of a 23-man effort.

"I think every player recognizes that it's a team endeavor. The 36 individuals in camp assisting the team get ready all play a part. That kind of unselfish attitude hasn't necessarily been the case in an past squads. It was not my experience when I was playing."

Tough Decisions

Several difficult choices have had to be made, even so, with injuries of key individuals. The coach also notes he feels "blessed with options" in key positions, and on this occasion, the decision Northampton's young talent that is omitted entirely. Considering the damp weather forecast, choosing of George Ford at No 10 is not a huge surprise, and ability the All Blacks' defense against high balls will likely to be tested frequently.

Experience and Versatility

Then, comes the extra importance of experience and the need to have a bench player that can fill in the back three, especially as a key player still completely ready. "It was possible to picked any of the available playmakers and be sat here talking about how each is the best player since I think they're all terrific," Borthwick commented. "George provides very calm leader but also has the ability to bring the team together driving them on to the front foot. That's exactly what looking for from him to deliver on Saturday."

Closing Thoughts

Can it all be enough? The team lost in all meetings against New Zealand previously with a combined margin only 10 points, and in terms of taking chances, the opposition are as sharp as any. In that scenario, there must be a strong possibility of a close battle which potentially boil down to the last stages. That's exactly what the England approach are anticipating.