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Picking the top lineup for a major match game appears more and more old-fashioned these days, bringing back memories of bygone days like classic TV shows. To the point that you might nearly anticipate to see the England lineup against the All Blacks on Saturday displayed with a jumbled sequence. Even with the All Blacks visiting, this traditional way for picking players doesn't applies.

Emphasis on the Final Stages

Rather, the focus is centered on how the match ends. This time, Steve Borthwick opted to selected multiple experienced players for the bench compared to just a few in the first XV. Around the second half point on Saturday, there will be a mass substitution with fresh players joining play. Similar to the Springboks' famous "Bomb Squad" have demonstrated, this approach is extremely tough for opponents.

Potential Pitfall

However, there is one small snag. While facing one of the globe's top-tier sides, it's crucial to begin well as well. Holding out for the arrival of star replacements like Tom Curry or teammates might seem not so smart if the All Blacks take a significant advantage early on, as they did against Scotland last week.

Yet that's today's way in rugby. Furthermore not many know more expert about this topic compared to Borthwick, as he spent multiple games on the substitute in his career.

Past Examples

Among those matches, he recalled recently, was a notable Test against New Zealand in Wellington during 2003, when England's forwards was cut down due to disciplinary issues. At that time, he and other reserves remained unused throughout the match.

Conversely, during a match in Italy the previous year, the then-coach introduced four experienced leaders around the hour mark, strategy memorably described as "the most illustrious bench since."

Today's Strategy

The current England substitute selection nearly matches that in terms of "Big Dog" energy, with England clearly hoping to catch the opposition during the last 20 minutes. "Every match we have played against them has been close toward the end," the coach stated. "So we need the right personnel available to finish the game... having that level of know-how on the bench is a key advantage for us."

Fan Considerations

There will be those paying high rates on seats this weekend wondering whether reduced pricing could be offered since matches currently largely hinge around only the final minutes rather than the full 80 minutes. Joking aside, however, exists another quietly compelling reason: which is the coach's confidence in emerging players like Joe Heyes has becoming so strong so that the "strongest" starting team is not precisely what casual fans would think.

Picking Decisions

If this qualifies him as "an adventurous coach" is a topic he inclined to talk about – "I don't into tags... I aim and pick the strongest squad we possibly can for the results" – yet England's ongoing streak with nine Test wins in a row has strengthened his belief that international rugby is more of an entire squad game.

"In my view every player recognizes that it's a collective effort. The 36 players in camp helping the team prepare each contribute. This type of selfless attitude has not always existed the case with past squads. That was not my experience during my time as a player."

Tough Judgments

Several difficult choices have had to be made, however, due to the absence of key players. The coach also says that "spoilt for choice" in key positions, and this time, it is one club's young talent that misses out entirely. Considering wet conditions expected, the selection an experienced player at No 10 is not a huge surprise, while ability of New Zealand's back three against high balls will likely to be tested often.

Experience plus Flexibility

Then, there is the added importance of experience and necessity to have substitute option who can fill in the back three, especially with another player not yet fully ready. "I could have picked either of the available fly-halves then be sat here saying why each is the best player because I think they're all terrific," he commented. "He provides very calm presence and has the ability to bring everyone together and [put] the team onto attack. It's exactly what expecting him to deliver this weekend."

Final Thoughts

Can it all be sufficient? England lost in all meetings by New Zealand previously with a combined margin only a small amount, and regarding converting opportunities, Scott Robertson's side remain as sharp ever. In that scenario, it's likely a strong possibility of a close contest that potentially boil down to the last stages. Which is clearly what this setup is expecting.