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Picking your top lineup for a major match contest seems increasingly outdated nowadays, bringing back thoughts of past eras like vintage television. To the point that you might almost anticipate finding the England lineup against the All Blacks this weekend displayed in a reversed sequence. Despite New Zealand visiting, this conventional way for picking the team no longer applies.

Focus on the Final Stages

Instead, it's all about how the game concludes. This time, Steve Borthwick has selected six experienced players for the substitutes versus just a few among the starting lineup. At some point during the second half point on Saturday, expect an extensive change with fresh talent joining play. As the Springboks' renowned "Bomb Squad" has demonstrated, such a tactic is extremely tough for opponents.

Potential Challenge

But, there is one minor snag. While playing the world's top-tier teams, it is essential to begin well as well. Holding out for the arrival from key replacements like Ellis Genge and teammates could appear less smart should the All Blacks build a large lead early on, like against Scotland last week.

But this is today's approach in rugby. Furthermore not many are more knowledgeable on this topic compared to Borthwick, who spent multiple games on the substitute in his playing days.

Past Context

Including those occasions, he recalled recently, is a notable match against New Zealand in Wellington during 2003, where England's forwards was reduced to six due to yellow cards. Even then, he and other reserves remained unused for the entire 80 minutes.

Conversely, in Rome earlier, the then-coach brought on multiple England captains around the hour mark, a move memorably described like "an exceptionally strong substitutes ever."

Today's Plan

This team's substitute selection nearly matches that in terms of "impact player" energy, with England clearly hoping to catch the opposition during the final 20 minutes. "Every game we've faced versus them has been close toward the end," the coach stated. "Therefore we need the right personnel available to finish the game... utilizing that level of experience among substitutes is an important asset for the team."

Fan Perspective

There will be those paying high rates on seats this weekend wondering if a discount might be available if games now effectively hinge around just the final minutes rather than the entire match. Joking aside, though, there is another subtly compelling explanation: which is the coach's trust toward younger talents such as Joe Heyes is grown sufficiently deep so that the "best" starting lineup is not exactly as casual fans might think.

Selection Decisions

If this makes Borthwick to be "a bold selector" remains not something he's is minded to discuss – "I don't go for labels... I try to select the best team we possibly can for the results" – but the team's ongoing run with nine victories in a row has strengthened his belief how international the sport is more of a 23-man game.

"I think each member recognizes that it's a team endeavor. All the players here helping the team get ready each play a part. That kind of selfless attitude has not necessarily been the case in an England team. That was not my experience during my time as a player."

Delicate Decisions

Some delicate choices have had to be made, even so, with the absence of certain individuals. Borthwick additionally notes that "blessed with options" at fly-half, and on this occasion, it is Northampton's Fin Smith that misses out entirely. Considering wet conditions expected, choosing of George Ford at No 10 is not a huge surprise, and the security of New Zealand's back three under kicks will likely to be examined often.

Experience plus Flexibility

Then, comes the extra importance of experience together with the need for substitute option who can slot into the back three, especially as another individual still fully ready. "I could have picked either of the available playmakers then explain here saying why they're the best choice because I think each one is excellent," Borthwick commented. "George provides very calm leader and has the ability to unite the team as one and [put] them onto attack. That's exactly what expecting him to deliver on Saturday."

Closing Thoughts

Can it prove sufficient? The team lost in all meetings against New Zealand previously by a total difference of just a small amount, and in terms of converting opportunities, the opposition are as sharp as any. Given this event, there must be a strong possibility of a close battle which potentially come down to the last stages. Which is clearly what the England setup is expecting.