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Picking your best lineup for a important rugby game appears increasingly quaint these days, evoking memories of bygone days such as classic TV shows. So much so that you could almost expect finding the England selection to face the All Blacks this weekend printed in a jumbled sequence. Even with the All Blacks in town, this traditional way of picking players no longer hold true.

Focus on the Endgame

Instead, it's centered on the match finishes. This time, Steve Borthwick opted to selected six British & Irish Lions for the bench compared to just a few among the starting lineup. At some point during the 50-minute point this weekend, there will be an extensive change involving fresh talent entering the field. Similar to the Springboks' renowned "impact substitutes" has shown, this approach can be very difficult for opponents.

Potential Pitfall

However, there is a minor snag. When facing the world's top-tier teams, it is essential to start strongly too. Holding out until the arrival from star substitutes like Tom Curry and others might seem not so smart should New Zealand take a significant lead by halftime, like versus the Scots last week.

Yet that's the modern way in rugby. Furthermore not many are more knowledgeable on the subject than Borthwick, who spent several games as an unused bench during his career.

Historical Examples

Among these matches, Borthwick recalled recently, was a notable match against the All Blacks in Wellington back in 2003, when England's forwards were reduced to six due to disciplinary issues. Even then, Borthwick along with other reserves remained unused throughout the 80 minutes.

On the other hand, in Rome the previous year, the then-coach introduced four England captains around 56 minutes, strategy memorably referred to like "the most illustrious bench since."

Current Plan

The current England bench selection nearly rivals that for "Big Dog" vibes, as the team obviously aiming to overtake the opposition during the final quarter. "Every match we have faced against them has gone toward the end," the coach stated. "So we need suitable personnel available to finish the game... utilizing that level of know-how on the bench is an important advantage for us."

Spectator Perspective

There will be fans paying premium rates for seats at the stadium questioning whether reduced pricing could be offered since games now largely depend around only the final stages instead of the full 80 minutes. Joking aside, though, exists a further quietly persuasive explanation: that Borthwick's confidence toward emerging talents like Fin Baxter has grown so strong so that the "best" starting lineup may not be precisely as casual supporters might think.

Selection Decisions

If this makes Borthwick to be "an adventurous coach" is not something he inclined to talk about – "I don't go for labels... I aim and pick the strongest team we possibly can to get the results" – but the team's current run of nine victories consecutively has strengthened the view how Test rugby has become increasingly an entire squad effort.

"I think each member recognizes that it's a collective effort. The 36 individuals here assisting us prepare all play a part. This type of selfless mindset hasn't always been the case with England team. That was not my experience when I was playing."

Delicate Decisions

Several difficult choices are having to be made, even so, with injuries of certain individuals. Borthwick also notes he feels "blessed for choice" at fly-half, so on this occasion, it is one club's Fin Smith who misses out completely. Considering wet weather forecast, choosing of George Ford in the pivotal role is not a huge shock, while the security the All Blacks' back three under kicks will likely face examined frequently.

Experience and Versatility

Then, there is the extra importance of seasoned players and the need to have a bench player that can fill in the back three, particularly as a key player not yet fully fit. "It was possible to select either of the three playmakers and be sat now talking why each is the best choice since I think each one is terrific," he commented. "He is a very calm leader but also has the skill to unite everyone as one driving them on to attack. That's exactly what looking for from him to do this weekend."

Closing Thoughts

Can it prove sufficient? England were defeated three times by New Zealand last year with a combined difference only a small amount, and regarding taking opportunities, Scott Robertson's side remain as sharp ever. Given this event, it's likely a strong possibility of a close battle that could boil down to the final 20 minutes. Which is exactly what this approach is expecting.