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Picking your top lineup in a important match game feels increasingly old-fashioned today, evoking thoughts of bygone days like vintage television. To the point that you could nearly anticipate to see the England selection to face the All Blacks on Saturday printed in a jumbled order. Despite the All Blacks in town, the traditional way for choosing players doesn't hold true.

Focus on the Endgame

Instead, the focus is all about the match finishes. This time, the coach has selected six British & Irish Lions on the bench compared to just a few in the starting lineup. Around the second half mark on Saturday, expect an extensive substitution involving new talent entering the field. As South Africa's renowned "Bomb Squad" have shown, such a approach can be very tough for opponents.

Potential Challenge

However, there is a minor issue. When playing one of the globe's second-best sides, it's crucial to begin well as well. Waiting for the introduction of key replacements such as Tom Curry or teammates could seem not so brilliant if the All Blacks take a large advantage early on, as they did against Scotland at Murrayfield.

But this is the modern approach for you. Furthermore few know more expert on this topic than the England coach, as he sat out several games as an unused substitute during his playing days.

Past Examples

Among these occasions, Borthwick recalled this week, is a notable Test versus New Zealand abroad during 2003, when England's pack was cut down due to yellow cards. At that time, he and fellow substitutes stayed unused for the entire match.

Conversely, during a match in Italy the previous year, Clive Woodward brought on multiple experienced leaders around 56 minutes, a move memorably referred to like "the most illustrious bench ever."

Current Plan

This team's bench selection almost rivals that for "Big Dog" vibes, with England clearly hoping to overtake the opposition in the last quarter. "Every match we've faced against them has been close toward the end," the coach stated. "Therefore it's crucial the right personnel on to finish strongly... having such a degree of experience among substitutes is also an important advantage for the team."

Spectator Perspective

There will be those spending high prices on seats at the stadium questioning whether reduced pricing might be available since matches now largely depend on only the final minutes instead of the full match. Joking aside, though, exists a further subtly compelling reason: which is the coach's confidence toward emerging players such as Fin Baxter has grown so deep so that the "strongest" first team may not be precisely what casual fans would think.

Selection Choices

If this makes Borthwick to be "an adventurous coach" is a topic he inclined to talk about – "I'm not into tags... I aim and pick the strongest team we possibly can for the results" – but the team's current run of nine victories consecutively has reinforced his belief that Test rugby is increasingly a 23-man game.

"In my view every player recognizes that it's a collective endeavor. The 36 players here helping the team get ready all contribute. That kind of unselfish mindset has not always been present in an past squads. That was different when I was a player."

Tough Decisions

Some delicate choices have had to be made, however, with the absence of key individuals. Borthwick additionally notes that "blessed with options" in key positions, so on this occasion, it is Northampton's young talent who misses out entirely. Given the damp conditions expected, the selection of George Ford at No 10 is not a huge surprise, while ability the All Blacks' defense against kicks is sure to be tested often.

Experience plus Flexibility

Additionally, there is the extra importance of seasoned players together with necessity to have substitute player who can slot into the back three, especially as a key player still completely ready. "I could have select either of the available fly-halves then be sat now talking why they're the best player because I think they're all terrific," he commented. "He provides composed leader and has the ability to unite the team as one driving the team on to the front foot. It's exactly what expecting him to do on Saturday."

Closing Thoughts

Can it all be enough? The team lost three times by New Zealand previously by a total difference of just a small amount, and in terms of taking opportunities, Scott Robertson's side remain as sharp ever. In that scenario, it's likely a strong possibility of a close battle that could come down to the last 20 minutes. That's clearly what the England approach is expecting.