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Picking the strongest lineup in a important match game seems more and more outdated these days, evoking thoughts of bygone days like vintage television. So much so that one could almost anticipate finding this England selection to face New Zealand this weekend printed with a reversed sequence. Despite New Zealand visiting, this conventional way for picking the team no longer applies.

Focus on the Final Stages

Instead, it's all about the game ends. This time, Steve Borthwick opted to chosen multiple British & Irish Lions for the substitutes versus just four in the first XV. At some point the 50-minute mark on Saturday, expect an extensive change with fresh players joining the field. Similar to the Springboks' famous "Bomb Squad" have shown, this tactic can be extremely tough for opponents.

Potential Pitfall

However, there is one minor issue. When playing one of the globe's second-best sides, it is essential to begin well too. Waiting until the arrival of key substitutes such as Tom Curry or others could appear less smart if New Zealand build a large advantage early on, as they did against Scotland last week.

But this is the modern approach for you. And few know more knowledgeable about this topic than Borthwick, who sat out multiple games as an unused substitute during his career.

Historical Examples

Among these occasions, he mentioned this week, was a notable Test versus New Zealand in Wellington back in 2003, where the pack were cut down because of yellow cards. At that time, Borthwick and other substitutes stayed unused for the entire 80 minutes.

On the other hand, during a match in Italy earlier, Clive Woodward brought on four experienced leaders after the hour mark, a move famously described like "an exceptionally strong substitutes since."

Current Strategy

This England bench choices nearly rivals that in terms of "impact player" energy, as England obviously aiming to overtake New Zealand in the last 20 minutes. "Every game we've played against New Zealand has gone toward the end," Borthwick said. "So it's crucial suitable players on to finish strongly... having such a degree of know-how on the bench is also an important asset for the team."

Spectator Considerations

Some those spending premium prices for seats at the stadium questioning if reduced pricing could be offered since matches currently effectively hinge around only 20-odd stages instead of the entire 80 minutes. Seriously, however, there is a further subtly compelling explanation: that the coach's confidence in emerging players like Joe Heyes has becoming so strong so that England's "strongest" first lineup is not exactly what casual fans would think.

Selection Choices

Whether this makes him as "an adventurous selector" remains a topic he inclined to discuss – "I don't into labels... I aim and pick the strongest squad we possibly can for the results" – but England's current run with nine Test wins consecutively has strengthened the view that Test rugby has become increasingly an entire squad effort.

"I think every player recognizes this is a collective endeavor. The 36 individuals here helping us get ready all contribute. This type of selfless mindset hasn't necessarily existed the case in an past squads. That was not my experience when I was a player."

Delicate Judgments

Some difficult judgments have had to be made, however, with injuries of key individuals. Borthwick additionally says he feels "blessed with options" at fly-half, so on this occasion, the decision Northampton's Fin Smith that misses out completely. Considering wet conditions expected, choosing of George Ford at No 10 is not a major shock, while the security the All Blacks' defense under kicks is sure to be tested often.

Experience plus Versatility

Then, there is the extra importance of experience together with the need for a bench player that is able to fill in other positions, particularly as another individual still fully fit. "It was possible to picked either of the available fly-halves and be sat now saying about how they're the right player since I think each one is excellent," he said. "George provides very calm presence and has the skill to bring the team as one and [put] them on to attack. That's what I'll be looking for from him to do this weekend."

Closing Thoughts

Can it prove enough? The team lost three times by the All Blacks last year by a total difference only a small amount, while in terms of converting opportunities, Scott Robertson's side remain highly effective as any. In that event, there must be a strong possibility of a close contest that could come down to the last stages. Which is clearly what the England setup are expecting.