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Choosing your best lineup for a major rugby contest seems more and more quaint these days, evoking memories of different times such as vintage television. So much so where one could almost anticipate to see the England lineup against the All Blacks this weekend printed with a jumbled order. Despite the All Blacks in town, this traditional method for choosing players doesn't applies.

Emphasis on the Final Stages

Instead, it's centered on the match ends. This time, Steve Borthwick opted to chosen six British & Irish Lions on the substitutes versus only four in the starting lineup. Around the second half mark on Saturday, there will be a mass substitution involving fresh talent joining the field. As South Africa's renowned "Bomb Squad" has shown, this tactic is extremely difficult to counter.

Possible Challenge

However, comes a small issue. When playing the world's top-tier sides, it's vital to begin well too. Holding out for the introduction from key substitutes such as Tom Curry or teammates might seem not so smart should New Zealand take a large lead by halftime, as they did against Scotland at Murrayfield.

But that's the modern approach for you. Furthermore few are more knowledgeable about this topic than the England coach, who spent several games as an unused bench in his career.

Historical Examples

Including those matches, he mentioned this week, is the famous match versus the All Blacks abroad back in 2003, where England's forwards were cut to six due to disciplinary issues. Even then, he and other reserves remained unused for the entire match.

On the other hand, in Rome the previous year, the then-coach introduced multiple England captains after 56 minutes, a move memorably described as "the most illustrious bench since."

Current Strategy

This team's bench selection nearly matches that in terms of "impact player" energy, with England clearly aiming to catch the opposition during the final 20 minutes. "Each game we have played against them has been close toward the end," the coach said. "So we need the right players on to finish strongly... utilizing such a degree of experience on the bench is also an important asset for us."

Fan Considerations

There will be fans paying high prices for tickets this weekend questioning if a discount might be available if games now largely hinge around only the final minutes rather than the entire 80 minutes. Seriously, though, exists a further quietly compelling explanation: which is Borthwick's confidence toward younger talents like Fin Baxter has grown sufficiently deep so that the "best" first lineup may not be exactly what casual supporters would think.

Picking Decisions

If this makes Borthwick to be "a bold coach" remains not something he inclined to discuss – "I'm not go for tags... I try and pick the best squad possible to get success" – but England's ongoing run with nine Test wins consecutively has strengthened the view how international rugby has become increasingly an entire squad effort.

"In my view each member understands this is a collective endeavor. All the individuals here assisting us prepare each play a part. That kind of selfless attitude has not always been the case in an England team. It was not my experience when I was playing."

Tough Decisions

Several delicate choices are having to occur, even so, due to the absence of key individuals. Borthwick additionally notes that "blessed for choice" at fly-half, so this time, it is Northampton's young talent that misses out entirely. Considering wet conditions expected, the selection of George Ford at No 10 is hardly a huge shock, while ability of New Zealand's defense against high balls is sure face examined frequently.

Experience and Versatility

Then, comes the extra value of seasoned players together with necessity to have substitute option that can slot into the back three, especially as another player still completely ready. "It was possible to picked either of the available fly-halves and be sat here saying why each is the best choice since I think each one is terrific," Borthwick commented. "George is a very calm leader but also possesses the skill to bring everyone together driving the team on to attack. That's what I'll be expecting from him to do on Saturday."

Closing Thoughts

Can it all be enough? The team lost in all meetings by the All Blacks previously by a total margin only 10 points, and regarding taking opportunities, the opposition are highly effective as any. Given this event, it's likely a strong possibility of a close contest which potentially boil down to the last 20 minutes. Which is exactly what this setup is expecting.