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Selecting the best starting XV for a important rugby game seems more and more outdated these days, evoking thoughts of bygone days such as classic TV shows. So much so where one might almost expect to see this England lineup against New Zealand on Saturday displayed in a reversed sequence. Even with New Zealand visiting, this traditional way for choosing the team no longer applies.

Focus on the Endgame

Instead, it's centered on how the match finishes. On this occasion, Steve Borthwick opted to chosen six British & Irish Lions on the bench versus only a few among the first XV. At some point during the second half mark this weekend, expect a mass change with fresh talent entering play. Similar to South Africa's famous "Bomb Squad" have shown, this approach is extremely tough for opponents.

Potential Challenge

But, comes one minor snag. When facing one of the globe's top-tier sides, it's vital to start well too. Waiting until the arrival from key substitutes like Tom Curry and others could seem not so smart should New Zealand take a significant advantage by halftime, as they did against Scotland at Murrayfield.

Yet that's today's way in rugby. Furthermore not many know more knowledgeable about this topic than the England coach, who sat out several matches as an unused substitute in his career.

Historical Examples

Among these matches, Borthwick recalled this week, is the famous Test against the All Blacks in Wellington during 2003, where England's forwards were reduced down because of disciplinary issues. Even then, Borthwick along with fellow substitutes stayed on the sidelines for the entire match.

On the other hand, during a match in Italy earlier, the then-coach introduced four experienced leaders around 56 minutes, strategy famously described as "the most illustrious substitutes ever."

Today's Strategy

The current England substitute selection nearly rivals that for "impact player" vibes, with England clearly hoping to overtake the opposition in the last 20 minutes. "Every match we've played versus them has been close toward the end," the coach said. "So we need the right players on to close out the game... utilizing such a degree of know-how among substitutes is a key advantage for the team."

Spectator Considerations

Some those spending premium rates on seats at the stadium wondering whether reduced pricing could be available since games currently largely depend on just the final stages rather than the entire match. Seriously, however, there is a further quietly compelling explanation: which is the coach's trust toward younger players such as Fin Baxter is becoming sufficiently strong that the "best" first lineup is not precisely as casual fans might assume.

Picking Choices

If that makes him to be "an adventurous coach" is not something he is minded to discuss – "I don't into labels... I aim and pick the strongest squad possible to get success" – but the team's current run of nine victories consecutively has reinforced the view how international rugby has become more of an entire squad game.

"In my view each member understands this is a team effort. The 36 players here assisting the team get ready each play a part. This type of selfless attitude has not always existed present with England team. That was not my experience during my time as a player."

Tough Judgments

Some delicate choices are having to be made, even so, with the absence of key individuals. The coach also notes that "blessed for choice" in key positions, and on this occasion, it is Northampton's young talent who misses out completely. Considering the damp conditions expected, choosing an experienced player in the pivotal role is not a huge shock, and ability of New Zealand's back three against kicks will likely to be examined frequently.

Experience and Versatility

Then, there is the extra value of experience and the need to have substitute player who is able to slot into the back three, especially with another player not yet fully ready. "It was possible to select any of the available fly-halves and explain here talking why each is the best player because I believe each one is terrific," Borthwick said. "George is a composed leader but also possesses the skill to bring the team as one and [put] the team onto the front foot. That's what I'll be expecting him to do this weekend."

Closing Thoughts

Will it all be sufficient? England were defeated in all meetings by the All Blacks last year by a total margin only a small amount, and in terms of converting opportunities, the opposition are highly effective as any. In that scenario, it's likely a strong possibility of an intense contest which potentially come down to the final stages. That's clearly what this setup are anticipating.