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Selecting your strongest starting XV for a big rugby contest appears more and more quaint these days, evoking memories of bygone days such as classic TV shows. To the point that one could nearly expect finding the home team selection against New Zealand this weekend printed with a reversed sequence. Despite the All Blacks in town, this traditional method of choosing players doesn't hold true.

Focus on the Endgame

Rather, the focus is all about the match concludes. This time, the coach opted to selected six British & Irish Lions on the substitutes compared to only a few in the starting lineup. Around during the second half point this weekend, there will be an extensive change involving fresh players entering the field. Similar to the Springboks' renowned "Bomb Squad" has demonstrated, such a approach can be very tough for opponents.

Possible Pitfall

However, there is one small snag. When playing the world's second-best teams, it's vital to begin strongly as well. Holding out for the arrival from key substitutes such as Ellis Genge and others might seem less brilliant if New Zealand take a large advantage early on, like versus the Scots last week.

Yet that's the modern way in rugby. Furthermore few know more expert on the subject than Borthwick, as he sat out multiple matches on the bench in his career.

Past Examples

Among those occasions, Borthwick mentioned this week, was the famous match against the All Blacks in Wellington during 2003, where the pack were reduced down because of disciplinary issues. At that time, Borthwick along with other substitutes remained unused throughout the match.

On the other hand, in Rome the previous year, Clive Woodward introduced four experienced leaders around the hour mark, a move famously described as "the most illustrious bench ever."

Today's Plan

The current England substitute choices nearly matches those in terms of "Big Dog" energy, as the team obviously hoping to catch the opposition during the final quarter. "Each game we've faced against New Zealand has been close toward the end," the coach stated. "So we need suitable personnel available to finish strongly... utilizing that level of experience among substitutes is an important advantage for us."

Fan Perspective

There will be those paying high rates for tickets at the stadium wondering whether a discount could be offered since games now largely hinge around only 20-odd stages rather than the entire 80 minutes. Seriously, however, exists another subtly persuasive explanation: that the coach's confidence toward younger players like Joe Heyes has grown so strong that the "strongest" first lineup may not be precisely what many fans might assume.

Selection Decisions

If that makes him as "a bold selector" is a topic he's is minded to discuss – "I'm not into labels... I try and pick the strongest squad possible for success" – yet England's ongoing run of nine Test wins in a row has reinforced his belief that Test rugby has become more of a 23-man game.

"I think every player understands this is a collective effort. The 36 players in camp assisting us get ready all play a part. This type of unselfish attitude has not necessarily been present with England team. That was different during my time as a player."

Delicate Judgments

Several difficult judgments are having to be made, however, due to injuries of certain players. The coach additionally notes that "spoilt with options" in key positions, so on this occasion, the decision Northampton's young talent who is omitted entirely. Given wet weather forecast, choosing an experienced player at No 10 is hardly a huge shock, while ability of New Zealand's back three under high balls will likely to be tested often.

Experience and Flexibility

Then, there is the extra importance of experience together with the need for a bench option who is able to slot into other positions, especially as another player not yet completely fit. "It was possible to select either of the available playmakers then be sat here talking about how each is the best player because I think they're all excellent," he said. "He provides composed presence but also has the skill to bring everyone as one driving the team onto the front foot. That's exactly what expecting from him to do this weekend."

Final Outlook

Will it prove sufficient? England lost in all meetings against New Zealand last year with a combined margin of just 10 points, and in terms of converting opportunities, the opposition remain as sharp ever. In that event, it's likely every chance of an intense contest that could come down to the last 20 minutes. That's clearly what this approach is anticipating.