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Picking your top lineup in a big match contest feels increasingly old-fashioned nowadays, evoking thoughts of past eras such as vintage television. To the point that one might nearly anticipate finding this England lineup to face New Zealand this weekend displayed with a reversed order. Despite New Zealand in town, the conventional method for choosing the team doesn't applies.

Focus on the Endgame

Rather, the focus is all about the game concludes. This time, Steve Borthwick opted to chosen six British & Irish Lions for the substitutes versus just a few among the starting lineup. At some point the second half mark on Saturday, there will be an extensive substitution with new talent joining the field. As the Springboks' renowned "Bomb Squad" has demonstrated, such a approach can be very tough to counter.

Possible Challenge

But, there is a small issue. While facing one of the globe's top-tier sides, it is crucial to start strongly too. Holding out for the arrival of star substitutes such as Tom Curry and teammates might appear not so brilliant if the All Blacks build a significant advantage early on, as they did against the Scots last week.

But that's the modern way in rugby. Furthermore few are more expert about the subject compared to the England coach, as he spent multiple matches on the bench during his playing days.

Historical Examples

Among those occasions, he recalled this week, is the famous Test against New Zealand abroad back in 2003, when England's forwards was cut to six due to disciplinary issues. At that time, Borthwick and fellow reserves stayed unused for the entire match.

On the other hand, in Rome earlier, the then-coach brought on four experienced leaders around 56 minutes, strategy memorably referred to like "an exceptionally strong bench ever."

Current Strategy

This England bench selection nearly rivals that for "Big Dog" energy, as the team obviously aiming to overtake the opposition during the last 20 minutes. "Each game we have played versus them has been close late," Borthwick stated. "Therefore we need suitable players on to finish strongly... having such a degree of know-how on the bench is a key advantage for us."

Spectator Considerations

Some fans paying high prices for seats this weekend questioning whether a discount could be offered if games currently largely hinge around only the final stages instead of the full 80 minutes. Joking aside, however, exists another quietly persuasive explanation: which is the coach's confidence in younger talents such as Joe Heyes has becoming so strong so that England's "strongest" starting lineup is not exactly what casual fans would assume.

Picking Decisions

Whether this qualifies him to be "an adventurous selector" remains a topic he is minded to talk about – "I don't go for tags... I aim to select the best team possible to get the results" – yet England's current run of nine Test wins in a row has strengthened the view how Test rugby has become increasingly a 23-man effort.

"In my view every player recognizes this is a collective endeavor. All the individuals here helping us prepare all contribute. That kind of selfless mindset has not necessarily existed the case in an England team. That was not my experience when I was a player."

Tough Decisions

Several delicate judgments are having to be made, even so, with the absence of key individuals. Borthwick additionally says he feels "spoilt for choice" at fly-half, so this time, it is one club's young talent who misses out entirely. Considering wet weather forecast, choosing of George Ford in the pivotal role is not a huge surprise, and the security the All Blacks' back three against kicks is sure face tested frequently.

Experience and Versatility

Additionally, there is the added importance of seasoned players together with necessity to have substitute option that can fill in the back three, particularly with another individual still fully ready. "I could have select either of the available fly-halves and be sat here talking why they're the best player since I think they're all terrific," Borthwick commented. "He is a very calm presence and possesses the ability to unite everyone together and [put] them on to the front foot. That's exactly what looking for from him to do this weekend."

Final Outlook

Will it all be sufficient? The team were defeated three times against New Zealand previously by a total difference only a small amount, and in terms of taking chances, the opposition remain as sharp as any. In that event, it's likely every chance of an intense battle that potentially come down to the last stages. That's clearly what this setup are expecting.