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Picking your best starting XV in a major rugby contest appears more and more old-fashioned today, evoking thoughts of past eras such as vintage television. So much so where one could nearly expect to see the home team lineup to face the All Blacks on Saturday displayed with a reversed sequence. Despite the All Blacks visiting, the conventional method for picking the team no longer hold true.

Focus on the Final Stages

Instead, the focus is all about the match ends. On this occasion, the coach has chosen multiple British & Irish Lions for the substitutes versus just four among the first XV. Around the 50-minute point this weekend, there will be an extensive change involving new talent joining play. Similar to the Springboks' famous "impact substitutes" has demonstrated, such a tactic is extremely tough for opponents.

Possible Pitfall

But, comes a minor issue. While playing the world's second-best sides, it's essential to begin strongly as well. Holding out for the arrival of key replacements like Ellis Genge or others might seem not so brilliant if New Zealand take a significant advantage early on, like against Scotland last week.

But that's today's way for you. Furthermore not many are more expert about the subject compared to Borthwick, as he spent multiple matches as an unused substitute in his playing days.

Past Context

Including those occasions, Borthwick mentioned this week, was a notable Test against the All Blacks in Wellington back in 2003, where England's forwards was reduced to six due to yellow cards. At that time, Borthwick along with other reserves remained unused throughout the 80 minutes.

Conversely, in Rome the previous year, Clive Woodward introduced four England captains around the hour mark, a move famously described as "an exceptionally strong substitutes since."

Current Plan

The current England substitute choices nearly matches that for "impact player" energy, with the team clearly aiming to catch the opposition in the final 20 minutes. "Each game we've played against them has been close toward the end," Borthwick said. "So we need suitable players available to close out strongly... having that level of experience on the bench is a key advantage for us."

Fan Perspective

There will be those paying premium prices on seats this weekend questioning if a discount could be available since matches now largely depend on just the final minutes instead of the entire match. Joking aside, though, there is a further subtly compelling explanation: which is the coach's trust toward younger talents like Fin Baxter has grown so strong that the "best" first team may not be precisely as casual fans might think.

Picking Choices

If that qualifies Borthwick as "a bold coach" is a topic he's inclined to discuss – "I don't into tags... I try and pick the best team possible for success" – yet the team's current run with nine Test wins consecutively has strengthened the view that international rugby is more of a 23-man game.

"In my view each member recognizes that it's a collective endeavor. All the individuals here helping us prepare each contribute. This type of unselfish mindset hasn't necessarily existed present with England team. That was not my experience during my time as a player."

Tough Judgments

Some delicate choices are having to occur, even so, with injuries of key individuals. Borthwick also says that "spoilt for choice" in key positions, and this time, it is one club's Fin Smith that misses out completely. Considering wet weather forecast, choosing of George Ford at No 10 is not a major surprise, while ability the All Blacks' back three against high balls is sure to be examined often.

Know-How and Versatility

Then, comes the extra value of seasoned players together with necessity to have substitute player that can slot into the back three, especially as a key player still fully fit. "I could have select either of the available fly-halves and explain now saying why they're the right player because I think they're all excellent," he commented. "He provides very calm presence but also possesses the skill to bring the team together and [put] the team onto attack. That's exactly what expecting from him to do on Saturday."

Final Outlook

Can it prove sufficient? England lost three times by New Zealand last year with a combined margin of just 10 points, while in terms of taking opportunities, Scott Robertson's side remain highly effective as any. In that scenario, there must be a strong possibility of a close contest which potentially come down to the last stages. That's exactly what this approach is expecting.