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Selecting your strongest starting XV in a important match contest feels increasingly outdated nowadays, bringing back thoughts of different times such as vintage television. So much so where one might almost expect to see this home team selection against New Zealand on Saturday printed in a reversed order. Despite New Zealand in town, the conventional way for picking players no longer hold true.

Focus on the Endgame

Instead, the focus is all about the game concludes. On this occasion, Steve Borthwick has selected six British & Irish Lions on the substitutes versus just a few among the first XV. Around the 50-minute mark on Saturday, there will be a mass change involving fresh players entering play. As the Springboks' renowned "impact substitutes" has demonstrated, such a tactic is very difficult for opponents.

Potential Pitfall

However, there is a small snag. When facing the world's second-best sides, it is essential to begin strongly too. Waiting until the introduction of key substitutes like Ellis Genge and others might seem not so smart if New Zealand build a significant advantage by halftime, as they did versus Scotland last week.

Yet this is today's way for you. Furthermore not many know more knowledgeable about this topic than Borthwick, as he spent several games on the substitute during his playing days.

Historical Examples

Among these matches, he mentioned this week, is a notable match against New Zealand in Wellington during 2003, where England's forwards was cut to six because of yellow cards. At that time, he and fellow substitutes remained on the sidelines throughout the 80 minutes.

Conversely, in Rome earlier, the then-coach introduced four experienced leaders around the hour mark, strategy memorably described like "an exceptionally strong substitutes since."

Current Strategy

The current team's substitute choices nearly matches that in terms of "Big Dog" vibes, with England clearly aiming to overtake New Zealand during the last quarter. "Every game we have played against New Zealand has gone late," the coach stated. "Therefore it's crucial the right players available to finish the game... having that level of experience on the bench is also a key advantage for us."

Fan Considerations

Some those spending premium prices on tickets at the stadium wondering whether a discount might be available if matches now largely depend around only the final minutes instead of the entire match. Seriously, though, there is another subtly compelling explanation: that Borthwick's trust in younger talents like Joe Heyes is grown sufficiently deep that England's "strongest" starting team is not exactly as many fans would assume.

Picking Decisions

If that makes him as "a bold coach" is not something he inclined to discuss – "I don't into tags... I try and pick the strongest team we possibly can for success" – yet England's current streak with nine Test wins consecutively has strengthened the view that international rugby is more of a 23-man effort.

"I think every player understands that it's a team endeavor. The 36 individuals in camp assisting the team get ready each contribute. That kind of selfless attitude has not always existed present in an past squads. That was different during my time as playing."

Delicate Judgments

Some delicate judgments are having to be made, however, due to injuries of key players. The coach additionally notes that "spoilt with options" in key positions, and this time, it is Northampton's Fin Smith who is omitted entirely. Considering the damp conditions expected, the selection of George Ford at No 10 is hardly a major surprise, and the security of New Zealand's back three under kicks will likely face tested frequently.

Experience plus Flexibility

Additionally, there is the added value of experience and the need for a bench player that can slot into the back three, especially with a key player still completely ready. "I could have picked either of the available playmakers then be sat now saying why they're the best choice because I believe they're all terrific," Borthwick said. "George provides composed leader but also has the skill to bring the team as one and [put] the team on to attack. It's what I'll be expecting him to deliver on Saturday."

Closing Thoughts

Will it all be sufficient? England were defeated in all meetings against the All Blacks last year with a combined margin only 10 points, and in terms of taking chances, the opposition are as sharp ever. Given this event, there must be a strong possibility of a close contest that potentially come down to the final stages. Which is clearly what this setup are anticipating.