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Choosing the top starting XV in a important rugby contest appears more and more outdated these days, evoking memories of different times such as classic TV shows. So much so where you could almost anticipate to see this home team selection to face the All Blacks this weekend printed with a reversed sequence. Despite the All Blacks visiting, this traditional method for choosing the team no longer applies.

Focus on the Endgame

Instead, the focus is all about the game concludes. On this occasion, the coach opted to chosen six experienced players for the substitutes compared to only a few in the first XV. Around during the 50-minute point this weekend, there will be a mass substitution involving fresh players entering play. Similar to South Africa's famous "Bomb Squad" have shown, this approach is very difficult to counter.

Potential Pitfall

However, there is a small issue. While playing the world's top-tier sides, it's essential to start strongly as well. Holding out for the arrival from key replacements like Tom Curry and others could appear less brilliant if the All Blacks build a large lead early on, as they did versus Scotland last week.

Yet that's the modern approach in rugby. Furthermore not many know more expert on the subject than the England coach, who sat out multiple matches as an unused bench in his career.

Past Examples

Including those matches, Borthwick recalled recently, was a notable match versus New Zealand in Wellington back in 2003, when England's forwards were reduced down because of yellow cards. At that time, he along with fellow reserves stayed unused for the entire match.

On the other hand, during a match in Italy earlier, Clive Woodward brought on multiple England captains after 56 minutes, a move famously described as "an exceptionally strong bench ever."

Today's Plan

This team's substitute selection nearly rivals those for "Big Dog" vibes, as England clearly hoping to overtake the opposition in the final quarter. "Every match we've played versus New Zealand has gone late," Borthwick said. "Therefore we need the right players available to close out strongly... having that level of know-how among substitutes is also a key asset for us."

Spectator Perspective

Some those spending high prices on seats this weekend questioning whether reduced pricing could be offered since matches now largely hinge around just 20-odd stages instead of the full match. Seriously, however, exists another quietly persuasive reason: that the coach's trust toward younger talents like Joe Heyes has grown so strong that England's "strongest" first team is not precisely what many fans might assume.

Selection Decisions

Whether that makes Borthwick to be "a bold selector" is a topic he's inclined to discuss – "I'm not into tags... I aim to select the strongest team possible for success" – yet England's ongoing run of nine Test wins in a row has strengthened his belief that international rugby is increasingly an entire squad effort.

"In my view each member recognizes this is a team effort. The 36 players in camp assisting us get ready each play a part. That kind of selfless attitude hasn't necessarily been the case with England team. That was different when I was a player."

Delicate Decisions

Several difficult choices are having to be made, however, with the absence of key individuals. The coach additionally says that "blessed for choice" at fly-half, so on this occasion, it is one club's young talent who misses out entirely. Given the damp weather forecast, choosing of George Ford at No 10 is not a huge surprise, while the security the All Blacks' defense against high balls will likely face tested frequently.

Experience plus Flexibility

Then, comes the extra value of seasoned players and necessity for substitute option that is able to fill in other positions, particularly with another player still completely ready. "I could have picked either of the available playmakers then explain now talking why they're the right choice because I think each one is excellent," he said. "George provides composed leader and has the ability to unite everyone together and [put] the team onto attack. That's what I'll be expecting him to deliver on Saturday."

Closing Outlook

Will it prove enough? England lost three times by New Zealand last year with a combined difference only a small amount, while in terms of taking chances, Scott Robertson's side remain highly effective as any. Given this scenario, there must be every chance of an intense battle which could come down to the final 20 minutes. Which is clearly what the England approach is anticipating.