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Selecting the strongest starting XV for a big match contest appears increasingly outdated nowadays, bringing back thoughts of past eras such as vintage television. To the point that you could almost anticipate finding this home team lineup against New Zealand on Saturday displayed with a jumbled sequence. Despite the All Blacks in town, this conventional way for picking players doesn't hold true.

Focus on the Final Stages

Instead, the focus is all about how the match ends. This time, Steve Borthwick opted to selected multiple British & Irish Lions for the bench versus just four among the first XV. At some point during the 50-minute mark on Saturday, expect an extensive change with new players entering play. Similar to the Springboks' famous "Bomb Squad" has demonstrated, such a tactic is extremely tough to counter.

Potential Challenge

But, comes one minor snag. When playing one of the globe's top-tier sides, it's essential to begin well too. Holding out for the introduction of star replacements like Ellis Genge or teammates might appear less brilliant should New Zealand build a significant advantage by halftime, like versus the Scots last week.

But this is the modern way in rugby. Furthermore not many know more expert about the subject compared to the England coach, who sat out several games as an unused substitute in his playing days.

Past Context

Among those occasions, he mentioned recently, is the famous Test against New Zealand in Wellington back in 2003, when the pack were cut down because of disciplinary issues. Even then, Borthwick and other substitutes remained unused for the entire 80 minutes.

Conversely, in Rome the previous year, Clive Woodward introduced four experienced leaders after the hour mark, a move famously described as "an exceptionally strong substitutes since."

Current Plan

The current team's substitute choices almost matches that in terms of "impact player" vibes, with the team clearly aiming to catch the opposition in the last quarter. "Each match we have played versus New Zealand has gone late," the coach stated. "Therefore it's crucial suitable players available to close out strongly... having that level of know-how among substitutes is a key asset for us."

Spectator Perspective

Some those paying high rates on tickets this weekend wondering whether reduced pricing might be available since games currently largely depend on only 20-odd minutes instead of the entire match. Joking aside, however, there is a further quietly persuasive explanation: which is the coach's confidence toward emerging players like Joe Heyes has becoming so deep that England's "best" first team may not be exactly as many supporters would assume.

Picking Decisions

Whether that makes Borthwick to be "an adventurous selector" is not something he's inclined to discuss – "I'm not go for tags... I try and pick the best squad possible for success" – but the team's ongoing streak with nine Test wins in a row has strengthened his belief how international the sport has become increasingly a 23-man effort.

"I think each player recognizes that it's a collective endeavor. The 36 players here assisting the team prepare each play a part. This type of selfless mindset has not always been the case with past squads. It was different during my time as a player."

Tough Decisions

Several difficult judgments have had to be made, even so, due to injuries of certain players. Borthwick also notes he feels "spoilt for choice" at fly-half, so on this occasion, it is Northampton's young talent who misses out completely. Considering the damp weather forecast, choosing an experienced player in the pivotal role is not a major shock, while ability of New Zealand's defense against high balls is sure to be examined often.

Know-How plus Flexibility

Then, there is the added value of seasoned players and the need to have a bench option who is able to slot into other positions, especially as another individual still fully fit. "It was possible to picked any of the three playmakers then be sat here talking about how they're the right choice since I think they're all excellent," Borthwick said. "He is a very calm leader but also has the skill to unite the team as one and [put] them on to the front foot. It's what I'll be looking for from him to do this weekend."

Final Outlook

Will it prove sufficient? The team lost three times against New Zealand last year by a total difference of just a small amount, while in terms of converting chances, the opposition are highly effective ever. Given this scenario, it's likely every chance of a close battle that could come down to the final stages. That's clearly what the England setup is expecting.