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Picking your best starting XV in a major rugby contest feels increasingly old-fashioned these days, evoking thoughts of past eras like vintage television. To the point where one could nearly expect finding the England selection to face New Zealand this weekend displayed in a jumbled sequence. Despite New Zealand visiting, this traditional method of picking the team doesn't hold true.

Emphasis on the Endgame

Instead, the focus is all about how the game ends. On this occasion, the coach has selected multiple British & Irish Lions on the bench versus just four in the starting lineup. At some point during the second half point on Saturday, there will be an extensive change involving fresh players joining the field. As the Springboks' famous "Bomb Squad" have demonstrated, such a tactic is very tough to counter.

Possible Pitfall

However, comes a small snag. While facing one of the globe's second-best sides, it's vital to start well too. Holding out for the arrival of key substitutes such as Ellis Genge or others could appear not so brilliant should the All Blacks build a large lead by halftime, as they did versus the Scots at Murrayfield.

Yet that's today's approach in rugby. Furthermore not many are more expert on this topic compared to the England coach, as he sat out several matches on the substitute during his playing days.

Historical Context

Including those occasions, Borthwick recalled recently, is a notable Test versus New Zealand in Wellington during 2003, when England's pack were reduced down because of yellow cards. Even then, he and other substitutes remained unused for the entire 80 minutes.

Conversely, during a match in Italy earlier, the then-coach introduced multiple experienced leaders around 56 minutes, strategy famously described as "the most illustrious substitutes ever."

Today's Plan

The current team's bench selection nearly rivals that in terms of "impact player" vibes, as England obviously hoping to catch New Zealand in the last 20 minutes. "Each match we have faced against New Zealand has been close late," Borthwick said. "So we need the right personnel available to close out the game... utilizing such a degree of know-how on the bench is also an important advantage for the team."

Spectator Perspective

Some those spending premium prices on seats this weekend wondering whether reduced pricing could be available since games currently largely depend on just 20-odd stages instead of the full 80 minutes. Joking aside, however, there is a further quietly compelling explanation: that the coach's confidence in emerging talents such as Fin Baxter has becoming so strong that England's "strongest" starting lineup is not exactly what many fans would think.

Picking Decisions

If that makes him as "an adventurous coach" is a topic he's is minded to talk about – "I'm not into tags... I aim to select the strongest squad possible to get the results" – but England's current run of nine victories consecutively has strengthened the view that Test rugby is more of a 23-man game.

"In my view each player recognizes that it's a team endeavor. All the players in camp helping the team get ready each contribute. This type of selfless attitude hasn't always been the case with past squads. That was different during my time as a player."

Tough Judgments

Some delicate choices are having to be made, even so, due to injuries of certain players. Borthwick additionally says he feels "blessed for choice" at fly-half, so this time, the decision one club's Fin Smith who misses out completely. Considering wet weather forecast, the selection an experienced player at No 10 is not a major shock, while ability of New Zealand's defense against kicks is sure to be tested often.

Experience and Flexibility

Then, comes the added importance of seasoned players and necessity for a bench option who is able to slot into other positions, particularly with a key individual not yet completely fit. "I could have select either of the available fly-halves and be sat here saying about how each is the best player because I think each one is excellent," Borthwick commented. "He provides very calm presence and has the ability to unite the team as one driving them onto the front foot. That's what I'll be expecting him to do on Saturday."

Closing Outlook

Will it prove sufficient? England lost three times against the All Blacks previously with a combined margin only 10 points, and in terms of converting opportunities, the opposition are highly effective as any. Given this scenario, it's likely a strong possibility of an intense contest that could boil down to the last 20 minutes. Which is clearly what this approach are anticipating.