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Selecting the strongest lineup for a major rugby game feels increasingly old-fashioned today, evoking thoughts of bygone days such as classic TV shows. To the point that you might almost anticipate finding this home team lineup to face New Zealand on Saturday printed in a reversed order. Despite New Zealand in town, this conventional method of choosing players no longer applies.

Focus on the Final Stages

Instead, the focus is all about the game concludes. On this occasion, Steve Borthwick has chosen multiple experienced players for the bench compared to only a few among the first XV. At some point the second half point this weekend, there will be an extensive change with new players entering the field. Similar to South Africa's famous "impact substitutes" have shown, such a approach is very difficult to counter.

Potential Pitfall

But, there is one small issue. When playing one of the globe's second-best teams, it's essential to start strongly as well. Waiting until the arrival of key substitutes like Tom Curry or teammates might seem less brilliant should the All Blacks take a significant advantage early on, like versus the Scots at Murrayfield.

But that's the modern approach for you. Furthermore few know more expert about this topic than the England coach, as he sat out multiple games on the substitute during his career.

Past Context

Including those matches, Borthwick recalled recently, is a notable match versus New Zealand abroad back in 2003, where the forwards were cut down because of disciplinary issues. Even then, he along with fellow substitutes remained on the sidelines throughout the match.

Conversely, in Rome the previous year, Clive Woodward introduced multiple experienced leaders after 56 minutes, strategy famously described like "an exceptionally strong substitutes since."

Today's Plan

The current England substitute selection nearly matches that in terms of "impact player" vibes, with England clearly aiming to catch the opposition in the last 20 minutes. "Every match we've faced versus them has gone toward the end," the coach said. "Therefore we need suitable personnel on to finish the game... having such a degree of experience on the bench is an important asset for the team."

Spectator Considerations

There will be those spending high rates for tickets this weekend wondering if reduced pricing might be available if games now largely hinge on just 20-odd stages instead of the entire match. Joking aside, however, there is another quietly compelling explanation: which is Borthwick's trust in emerging talents like Joe Heyes is becoming so strong so that the "strongest" first team may not be precisely what many supporters would assume.

Picking Choices

If that qualifies Borthwick to be "a bold selector" remains not something he's inclined to talk about – "I don't into tags... I try and pick the strongest squad possible for the results" – yet England's current streak with nine Test wins consecutively has strengthened the view that international rugby is more of an entire squad effort.

"I think each member understands that it's a collective effort. All the players in camp assisting the team prepare all play a part. That kind of selfless attitude has not always existed the case with past squads. It was different when I was playing."

Tough Judgments

Some difficult choices are having to be made, even so, due to injuries of certain players. The coach also says that "blessed with options" at fly-half, so on this occasion, the decision one club's young talent who misses out entirely. Considering wet conditions expected, the selection of George Ford at No 10 is not a huge surprise, and ability of New Zealand's back three against kicks is sure face examined frequently.

Experience and Flexibility

Then, there is the extra importance of seasoned players and the need to have substitute option that is able to slot into the back three, especially with another player not yet completely fit. "I could have select any of the three fly-halves and be sat here saying about how each is the right player because I believe they're all terrific," he said. "He provides composed leader and has the skill to bring everyone as one and [put] the team on to attack. It's exactly what expecting from him to do on Saturday."

Final Thoughts

Will it prove enough? England were defeated in all meetings by the All Blacks last year with a combined margin only a small amount, and in terms of converting opportunities, Scott Robertson's side remain highly effective ever. Given this event, it's likely every chance of an intense contest which potentially come down to the last 20 minutes. Which is exactly what this approach is expecting.