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Picking your strongest lineup in a major match game feels increasingly old-fashioned these days, evoking thoughts of past eras like classic TV shows. So much so where one might nearly expect finding the home team lineup against the All Blacks on Saturday printed in a reversed order. Even with the All Blacks visiting, this conventional way of picking the team no longer hold true.

Focus on the Endgame

Rather, it's all about the match concludes. On this occasion, the coach opted to selected multiple British & Irish Lions on the bench compared to just a few in the starting lineup. At some point the second half point this weekend, expect an extensive substitution with fresh talent joining the field. As South Africa's famous "impact substitutes" has demonstrated, this approach is very difficult to counter.

Potential Challenge

However, there is one minor issue. While playing one of the globe's top-tier sides, it is vital to start well as well. Holding out until the arrival of key substitutes such as Ellis Genge and others might appear not so brilliant if New Zealand build a significant advantage early on, as they did against Scotland last week.

But this is today's way for you. Furthermore few are more expert about this topic than the England coach, who spent multiple games on the bench during his career.

Past Examples

Including these matches, Borthwick mentioned recently, was a notable Test versus the All Blacks abroad back in 2003, when the pack were reduced to six because of yellow cards. At that time, he along with other reserves remained unused throughout the match.

Conversely, in Rome the previous year, the then-coach brought on multiple experienced leaders around 56 minutes, strategy famously described like "the most illustrious substitutes since."

Today's Plan

This team's bench selection nearly matches that in terms of "impact player" energy, with the team obviously aiming to overtake New Zealand during the final quarter. "Each match we have played versus them has gone toward the end," the coach stated. "So it's crucial the right players on to finish the game... having that level of know-how among substitutes is an important advantage for the team."

Fan Considerations

There will be those spending premium rates on seats at the stadium wondering if a discount might be available if games currently largely hinge on just the final minutes rather than the entire 80 minutes. Joking aside, however, exists a further quietly compelling reason: that Borthwick's trust toward emerging talents like Joe Heyes has grown sufficiently strong that the "strongest" first team may not be exactly as casual fans might think.

Selection Decisions

If that makes him to be "an adventurous selector" remains a topic he's inclined to talk about – "I'm not into tags... I aim to select the strongest team possible for the results" – but England's current run with nine Test wins consecutively has strengthened the view how international rugby is increasingly an entire squad game.

"I think each member understands this is a collective effort. The 36 players in camp helping the team prepare each contribute. That kind of unselfish mindset has not always been present in an past squads. That was not my experience when I was playing."

Delicate Decisions

Several delicate judgments have had to occur, even so, with injuries of key individuals. The coach additionally says he feels "spoilt with options" at fly-half, and this time, it is one club's young talent who is omitted completely. Considering wet conditions expected, choosing of George Ford in the pivotal role is not a major shock, and ability the All Blacks' back three under high balls will likely to be examined often.

Know-How plus Flexibility

Then, there is the extra importance of experience together with necessity for a bench player who is able to slot into other positions, especially as another player not yet completely ready. "I could have picked any of the available playmakers then explain now talking why each is the right player since I think they're all excellent," Borthwick commented. "He is a very calm presence and possesses the ability to bring the team together driving them onto attack. It's what I'll be expecting him to deliver this weekend."

Final Outlook

Can it prove sufficient? The team were defeated in all meetings against New Zealand last year by a total margin only 10 points, while regarding converting chances, the opposition are highly effective as any. Given this scenario, it's likely a strong possibility of an intense contest which could come down to the last stages. That's exactly what the England setup is anticipating.