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Picking your best starting XV in a big rugby game feels increasingly quaint these days, evoking memories of bygone days such as classic TV shows. So much so where you might nearly expect finding this home team lineup to face New Zealand on Saturday displayed in a jumbled order. Despite the All Blacks visiting, this traditional way for picking players doesn't applies.

Emphasis on the Endgame

Rather, it's centered on how the game ends. On this occasion, the coach has chosen six experienced players on the bench compared to only a few among the first XV. At some point the 50-minute point on Saturday, there will be an extensive substitution with fresh talent entering the field. Similar to South Africa's famous "Bomb Squad" have demonstrated, this tactic can be very tough to counter.

Possible Pitfall

However, comes a minor issue. When facing one of the globe's second-best teams, it is vital to start strongly too. Waiting for the arrival from star replacements like Ellis Genge or teammates might appear not so brilliant if the All Blacks take a significant advantage by halftime, as they did versus Scotland last week.

Yet that's the modern way for you. And few know more knowledgeable about the subject than Borthwick, as he spent multiple matches as an unused substitute in his playing days.

Past Context

Among these matches, he recalled recently, is a notable Test against the All Blacks in Wellington back in 2003, when the pack was reduced down because of disciplinary issues. At that time, he along with other substitutes stayed unused throughout the 80 minutes.

Conversely, in Rome earlier, Clive Woodward introduced four England captains around the hour mark, a move memorably referred to like "the most illustrious bench since."

Today's Strategy

This team's bench selection nearly rivals those for "Big Dog" energy, with the team clearly hoping to catch New Zealand during the last 20 minutes. "Each match we have faced versus New Zealand has gone late," Borthwick stated. "Therefore it's crucial the right personnel available to finish strongly... having such a degree of know-how on the bench is also an important asset for us."

Spectator Perspective

There will be those paying premium rates for tickets this weekend questioning if a discount could be offered if matches now effectively hinge on just 20-odd stages rather than the full match. Seriously, though, exists another quietly persuasive reason: that the coach's trust toward emerging players like Fin Baxter has becoming sufficiently deep that the "best" starting lineup may not be exactly as casual supporters would assume.

Selection Decisions

If that qualifies Borthwick to be "an adventurous coach" remains not something he is minded to talk about – "I'm not go for labels... I try and pick the strongest team we possibly can for success" – but England's ongoing streak with nine Test wins consecutively has reinforced the view how Test the sport has become increasingly an entire squad effort.

"In my view each member understands that it's a collective effort. All the individuals here helping us get ready each play a part. This type of selfless mindset hasn't always been the case in an England team. That was not my experience during my time as a player."

Tough Judgments

Several difficult choices are having to occur, however, with the absence of key individuals. The coach additionally notes that "spoilt with options" at fly-half, and on this occasion, it is Northampton's Fin Smith who is omitted completely. Considering wet weather forecast, choosing of George Ford in the pivotal role is not a huge surprise, and the security of New Zealand's defense against kicks will likely face examined frequently.

Know-How and Versatility

Additionally, comes the added value of seasoned players and necessity to have a bench option who can slot into other positions, especially as another player still fully fit. "It was possible to picked either of the three playmakers and be sat here saying why they're the best choice because I think each one is terrific," he commented. "He is a very calm presence but also possesses the skill to unite the team together driving the team on to the front foot. That's what I'll be looking for him to deliver this weekend."

Final Outlook

Can it prove enough? The team lost three times against New Zealand last year with a combined difference only a small amount, and in terms of converting chances, the opposition remain as sharp as any. Given this scenario, it's likely a strong possibility of a close contest which could come down to the last 20 minutes. That's clearly what the England approach are expecting.