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Choosing the strongest starting XV in a major rugby contest appears increasingly outdated these days, bringing back thoughts of bygone days such as classic TV shows. To the point that one could nearly expect to see this home team lineup to face the All Blacks on Saturday printed with a jumbled order. Despite the All Blacks visiting, the conventional method of choosing players no longer hold true.

Focus on the Endgame

Instead, it's centered on the game finishes. This time, the coach has chosen multiple British & Irish Lions for the substitutes versus only four in the starting lineup. At some point the 50-minute mark this weekend, there will be an extensive substitution with fresh talent joining play. As the Springboks' famous "Bomb Squad" has shown, such a tactic can be extremely difficult to counter.

Possible Challenge

However, there is a minor snag. When playing the world's second-best sides, it's essential to begin well too. Waiting until the introduction from star substitutes like Tom Curry and others could appear less brilliant if New Zealand build a large lead early on, like versus the Scots at Murrayfield.

But this is the modern approach for you. And not many know more expert about this topic than the England coach, who spent multiple matches on the substitute in his playing days.

Historical Examples

Among those occasions, Borthwick recalled this week, is the famous match against New Zealand in Wellington during 2003, where England's forwards were cut to six due to disciplinary issues. Even then, Borthwick along with other reserves stayed on the sidelines for the entire 80 minutes.

On the other hand, during a match in Italy earlier, the then-coach brought on multiple England captains around the hour mark, strategy memorably referred to as "the most illustrious substitutes ever."

Today's Strategy

This team's substitute choices nearly matches those in terms of "Big Dog" energy, with the team clearly aiming to overtake the opposition during the last 20 minutes. "Each game we have faced against New Zealand has been close toward the end," the coach said. "Therefore we need the right personnel available to close out strongly... having that level of know-how among substitutes is also an important advantage for us."

Spectator Perspective

There will be those paying premium rates for tickets at the stadium questioning if reduced pricing might be offered if matches currently effectively depend around only the final stages instead of the entire 80 minutes. Seriously, though, there is a further quietly persuasive explanation: that Borthwick's trust in emerging talents like Joe Heyes has becoming sufficiently strong so that England's "best" starting team may not be precisely as many fans would assume.

Selection Choices

If this makes him to be "a bold coach" remains not something he inclined to talk about – "I'm not into tags... I aim and pick the strongest squad possible to get success" – yet the team's current run of nine Test wins in a row has reinforced the view how Test the sport is more of a 23-man game.

"In my view every member understands this is a collective effort. The 36 individuals in camp assisting us prepare all contribute. This type of selfless mindset hasn't necessarily existed the case in an past squads. It was different when I was playing."

Delicate Decisions

Several difficult judgments have had to occur, even so, with the absence of key players. The coach also says that "blessed for choice" at fly-half, so on this occasion, it is one club's Fin Smith that is omitted entirely. Considering the damp conditions expected, the selection of George Ford in the pivotal role is hardly a huge surprise, while the security the All Blacks' back three under high balls is sure face examined frequently.

Know-How plus Versatility

Additionally, comes the extra value of experience and the need for substitute option that can slot into the back three, particularly as another player not yet fully ready. "It was possible to select any of the available fly-halves then be sat here saying why they're the right player because I think each one is excellent," Borthwick said. "George is a composed presence but also has the skill to unite the team as one driving them on to attack. That's what I'll be expecting him to deliver this weekend."

Closing Outlook

Will it all be sufficient? The team were defeated in all meetings against New Zealand previously by a total margin of just a small amount, and in terms of converting chances, Scott Robertson's side remain as sharp as any. In that event, it's likely a strong possibility of an intense contest that potentially come down to the last stages. That's exactly what the England setup is expecting.