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Choosing your strongest starting XV for a important rugby contest seems more and more quaint nowadays, evoking memories of bygone days such as classic TV shows. So much so that one could almost expect finding the home team selection to face the All Blacks this weekend displayed in a reversed order. Despite the All Blacks in town, this conventional way of picking players no longer hold true.

Emphasis on the Final Stages

Instead, it's all about how the game finishes. This time, the coach has selected multiple experienced players for the bench versus only a few in the first XV. Around the 50-minute point on Saturday, there will be an extensive change involving fresh talent joining the field. Similar to South Africa's renowned "impact substitutes" has shown, such a approach can be extremely tough for opponents.

Possible Challenge

But, there is a minor issue. While facing the world's top-tier sides, it's vital to begin strongly too. Waiting for the arrival from star substitutes like Tom Curry or others might appear not so smart should the All Blacks take a large lead early on, like against the Scots at Murrayfield.

But this is today's way in rugby. Furthermore not many know more expert on this topic compared to the England coach, as he sat out multiple matches as an unused substitute during his playing days.

Historical Context

Among these occasions, Borthwick mentioned this week, was the famous match versus New Zealand in Wellington during 2003, where England's forwards were cut to six because of yellow cards. Even then, he and other reserves stayed on the sidelines throughout the match.

On the other hand, in Rome earlier, Clive Woodward brought on multiple experienced leaders after 56 minutes, a move famously described like "an exceptionally strong bench since."

Today's Strategy

The current England bench choices almost rivals that for "Big Dog" vibes, with England obviously hoping to catch New Zealand during the final quarter. "Each match we've played against New Zealand has been close toward the end," the coach said. "Therefore it's crucial the right players available to finish strongly... utilizing that level of know-how among substitutes is also a key asset for us."

Spectator Perspective

Some those paying high prices for tickets this weekend wondering whether a discount could be available if games currently largely depend around only the final stages rather than the full 80 minutes. Seriously, however, there is a further subtly persuasive reason: which is the coach's trust toward emerging talents like Joe Heyes is grown sufficiently deep that England's "best" starting team is not exactly what casual fans would think.

Picking Choices

If this makes Borthwick to be "a bold coach" is not something he's is minded to discuss – "I'm not go for tags... I try to select the strongest team we possibly can for success" – but the team's current run of nine victories consecutively has strengthened the view that international the sport has become more of an entire squad game.

"In my view each player recognizes that it's a collective effort. The 36 individuals in camp helping the team get ready all play a part. This type of selfless attitude has not always existed present with past squads. It was different when I was playing."

Delicate Judgments

Some difficult judgments are having to be made, even so, due to the absence of certain individuals. Borthwick also says he feels "spoilt with options" at fly-half, so this time, the decision Northampton's young talent that misses out completely. Considering the damp weather forecast, the selection of George Ford at No 10 is not a major shock, and the security of New Zealand's defense under kicks is sure to be examined often.

Experience and Versatility

Then, comes the added value of seasoned players and necessity for a bench player who is able to fill in the back three, particularly with another individual still fully ready. "I could have picked either of the available fly-halves then be sat now talking why each is the right choice since I believe they're all terrific," he commented. "He is a composed leader and possesses the skill to unite everyone as one and [put] them onto attack. It's what I'll be looking for him to do this weekend."

Final Thoughts

Can it all be enough? The team were defeated in all meetings against New Zealand previously by a total margin of just a small amount, and in terms of taking chances, Scott Robertson's side remain highly effective ever. In that event, it's likely a strong possibility of a close battle that could come down to the final 20 minutes. That's exactly what the England setup are anticipating.