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Selecting the top starting XV for a major match contest appears more and more outdated these days, evoking memories of bygone days like vintage television. To the point where one might almost anticipate to see the England lineup against the All Blacks on Saturday displayed in a reversed sequence. Despite the All Blacks in town, the conventional way for picking players no longer applies.

Focus on the Final Stages

Rather, the focus is all about how the match ends. On this occasion, the coach opted to selected six experienced players for the bench compared to just four among the starting lineup. Around during the 50-minute point on Saturday, there will be a mass substitution involving fresh players entering play. Similar to the Springboks' famous "impact substitutes" has demonstrated, such a tactic can be extremely difficult to counter.

Potential Challenge

But, there is a small issue. When playing one of the globe's second-best teams, it's essential to begin well too. Holding out for the introduction of star substitutes such as Ellis Genge or others could seem less smart should New Zealand build a significant advantage early on, as they did against Scotland last week.

Yet that's the modern way for you. Furthermore few are more knowledgeable on the subject compared to the England coach, who sat out multiple games as an unused substitute during his playing days.

Past Examples

Among those matches, Borthwick mentioned this week, was the famous match against the All Blacks in Wellington back in 2003, when England's pack were reduced down because of disciplinary issues. Even then, he and fellow reserves remained on the sidelines for the entire match.

On the other hand, in Rome the previous year, Clive Woodward introduced multiple experienced leaders around the hour mark, strategy memorably referred to like "the most illustrious substitutes ever."

Current Plan

The current team's bench choices almost matches that in terms of "Big Dog" vibes, as England obviously aiming to overtake the opposition during the final 20 minutes. "Every game we have faced versus them has been close toward the end," Borthwick said. "Therefore it's crucial the right players on to close out strongly... having such a degree of know-how among substitutes is a key advantage for us."

Spectator Perspective

Some fans spending premium prices on seats at the stadium questioning if a discount could be offered if matches now largely hinge on just 20-odd stages rather than the entire 80 minutes. Joking aside, however, exists a further quietly persuasive explanation: which is the coach's trust toward emerging players such as Joe Heyes has grown so deep so that the "best" starting team may not be precisely what casual fans might assume.

Picking Choices

Whether that makes Borthwick to be "a bold selector" remains not something he is minded to talk about – "I don't into tags... I try and pick the strongest team we possibly can to get the results" – but the team's current streak with nine victories consecutively has reinforced his belief how international the sport is increasingly an entire squad game.

"In my view each member recognizes that it's a collective effort. All the individuals here assisting us get ready all contribute. That kind of selfless attitude hasn't always been the case in an England team. It was not my experience during my time as a player."

Tough Judgments

Several delicate judgments have had to occur, however, with injuries of key players. The coach also notes he feels "spoilt for choice" at fly-half, so on this occasion, the decision Northampton's Fin Smith who misses out completely. Considering wet conditions expected, the selection an experienced player in the pivotal role is not a major shock, and ability the All Blacks' back three under high balls is sure to be examined frequently.

Experience and Flexibility

Then, there is the extra value of seasoned players and the need to have a bench option that can fill in the back three, especially as another individual still fully ready. "It was possible to select any of the three playmakers then explain here saying why they're the best player since I believe each one is terrific," Borthwick commented. "He is a composed presence but also possesses the skill to unite everyone together driving them on to the front foot. That's exactly what looking for from him to deliver this weekend."

Final Outlook

Will it all be enough? England were defeated in all meetings by New Zealand last year with a combined difference of just 10 points, and in terms of converting chances, Scott Robertson's side remain as sharp as any. Given this event, there must be a strong possibility of a close contest that could boil down to the final 20 minutes. Which is exactly what this setup is expecting.