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Picking the top starting XV in a important rugby game appears increasingly quaint nowadays, bringing back memories of past eras like classic TV shows. To the point that one might almost anticipate to see this home team selection to face the All Blacks on Saturday displayed in a reversed order. Even with the All Blacks visiting, the conventional way of choosing the team doesn't applies.

Focus on the Final Stages

Rather, the focus is centered on how the match finishes. On this occasion, the coach opted to selected six British & Irish Lions on the bench compared to just a few among the starting lineup. Around during the second half mark on Saturday, there will be an extensive substitution involving new players joining the field. As South Africa's famous "impact substitutes" have demonstrated, such a approach can be very tough to counter.

Potential Pitfall

But, there is a minor snag. When playing the world's second-best sides, it's vital to start strongly too. Holding out for the introduction from star substitutes like Ellis Genge or teammates might seem not so smart should the All Blacks take a significant lead early on, like against Scotland last week.

Yet that's the modern approach in rugby. And few know more knowledgeable on this topic than the England coach, who spent several matches as an unused substitute in his career.

Historical Context

Including these occasions, he recalled this week, was the famous match versus New Zealand in Wellington back in 2003, where the pack were cut down due to yellow cards. Even then, Borthwick along with other substitutes stayed unused for the entire 80 minutes.

Conversely, during a match in Italy the previous year, Clive Woodward brought on multiple England captains after 56 minutes, a move famously referred to as "the most illustrious bench ever."

Current Plan

This England bench selection almost matches that for "Big Dog" energy, as England obviously aiming to overtake New Zealand during the final 20 minutes. "Every game we have played versus them has been close late," the coach stated. "So it's crucial the right personnel on to finish strongly... utilizing such a degree of know-how on the bench is also an important asset for us."

Spectator Considerations

There will be fans spending premium prices for seats this weekend questioning if a discount could be offered since matches currently effectively depend on just 20-odd stages instead of the full match. Seriously, however, there is a further quietly compelling reason: that the coach's confidence toward emerging players like Joe Heyes is becoming so deep that England's "best" starting team is not exactly what many supporters might assume.

Selection Choices

Whether this qualifies Borthwick to be "a bold selector" remains not something he inclined to discuss – "I don't go for tags... I aim and pick the strongest team we possibly can for success" – yet the team's ongoing run of nine victories in a row has strengthened his belief that Test rugby has become increasingly a 23-man effort.

"I think each member understands this is a team endeavor. All the individuals in camp assisting us get ready each play a part. That kind of unselfish mindset has not necessarily existed present with England team. That was different when I was a player."

Tough Judgments

Some delicate choices have had to occur, even so, with injuries of key players. The coach also says he feels "blessed with options" in key positions, so on this occasion, the decision Northampton's young talent who is omitted completely. Given wet conditions expected, choosing an experienced player in the pivotal role is not a huge surprise, and ability of New Zealand's back three under kicks is sure to be examined often.

Know-How plus Flexibility

Then, there is the added value of seasoned players together with necessity for substitute option that can slot into other positions, especially as another player still completely ready. "I could have picked either of the available fly-halves then be sat here talking why each is the right player since I believe each one is terrific," Borthwick commented. "George is a composed leader and possesses the skill to unite the team as one driving the team onto the front foot. That's exactly what expecting him to deliver this weekend."

Final Outlook

Will it all be sufficient? England lost three times by New Zealand previously with a combined difference of just a small amount, while in terms of converting opportunities, Scott Robertson's side are as sharp ever. Given this event, it's likely a strong possibility of an intense battle that potentially boil down to the last 20 minutes. Which is exactly what the England approach is expecting.