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Selecting your strongest starting XV in a important rugby contest feels increasingly quaint these days, bringing back memories of bygone days like classic TV shows. To the point where you might almost expect to see this home team selection against New Zealand this weekend printed in a jumbled order. Even with the All Blacks visiting, the conventional way of choosing the team doesn't applies.

Focus on the Endgame

Rather, the focus is centered on the match finishes. On this occasion, Steve Borthwick opted to chosen multiple British & Irish Lions for the bench versus just four among the first XV. At some point the 50-minute point on Saturday, there will be an extensive change involving fresh talent entering play. Similar to South Africa's famous "impact substitutes" has shown, such a tactic is extremely difficult to counter.

Possible Challenge

However, comes a minor issue. While facing one of the globe's top-tier teams, it is crucial to begin strongly as well. Holding out until the introduction from key replacements such as Tom Curry and others might seem less smart if the All Blacks take a significant advantage by halftime, like against Scotland at Murrayfield.

Yet that's the modern approach in rugby. Furthermore few know more expert about the subject compared to Borthwick, as he spent several matches as an unused bench in his career.

Historical Examples

Among these matches, he recalled this week, was the famous Test against New Zealand abroad back in 2003, where England's pack was reduced to six due to disciplinary issues. At that time, Borthwick and other reserves stayed on the sidelines throughout the 80 minutes.

Conversely, in Rome the previous year, Clive Woodward brought on multiple experienced leaders after 56 minutes, strategy memorably described like "the most illustrious substitutes since."

Current Strategy

This England bench choices almost matches those in terms of "impact player" vibes, as the team clearly hoping to catch New Zealand during the last quarter. "Every match we've faced versus New Zealand has gone late," Borthwick said. "So we need suitable players available to finish the game... having that level of know-how among substitutes is also an important asset for the team."

Fan Perspective

There will be fans paying premium rates on seats at the stadium wondering if reduced pricing might be available if games now largely hinge around just 20-odd stages instead of the full match. Seriously, however, there is a further subtly persuasive explanation: that the coach's confidence toward younger players such as Fin Baxter is becoming sufficiently strong that England's "strongest" starting team may not be precisely as casual supporters would assume.

Picking Decisions

If that makes him to be "a bold coach" is a topic he's inclined to discuss – "I don't go for tags... I aim and pick the best team possible for the results" – yet the team's ongoing streak with nine Test wins in a row has reinforced his belief that international rugby is more of a 23-man effort.

"In my view every player recognizes that it's a team effort. All the individuals in camp helping us prepare all contribute. This type of selfless attitude hasn't necessarily been the case with past squads. It was not my experience during my time as a player."

Delicate Judgments

Several difficult judgments have had to be made, however, due to the absence of certain players. Borthwick additionally notes he feels "blessed for choice" at fly-half, so on this occasion, the decision Northampton's Fin Smith that misses out completely. Given wet conditions expected, the selection of George Ford in the pivotal role is not a huge shock, and the security the All Blacks' defense against kicks will likely to be tested often.

Know-How plus Versatility

Then, comes the added importance of seasoned players and necessity for substitute player who is able to fill in the back three, especially with a key player not yet fully fit. "I could have select either of the three playmakers then be sat now saying why each is the best choice because I believe they're all terrific," he said. "He is a composed leader and possesses the skill to unite everyone as one and [put] them onto attack. That's exactly what looking for him to deliver this weekend."

Final Outlook

Will it prove sufficient? The team lost in all meetings against New Zealand previously with a combined difference only a small amount, while in terms of taking chances, Scott Robertson's side remain highly effective as any. Given this scenario, it's likely every chance of an intense battle that could boil down to the last stages. That's exactly what this approach is expecting.