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Choosing the best lineup for a important rugby game seems increasingly quaint nowadays, bringing back thoughts of past eras like classic TV shows. So much so that one might almost expect to see this England selection against New Zealand on Saturday printed with a reversed order. Despite the All Blacks visiting, this traditional way for choosing players no longer applies.

Focus on the Endgame

Rather, it's centered on how the match concludes. This time, Steve Borthwick opted to chosen six experienced players for the bench compared to just a few among the first XV. Around during the second half mark on Saturday, expect a mass substitution with new players joining the field. Similar to South Africa's renowned "Bomb Squad" has shown, such a tactic is extremely tough for opponents.

Possible Challenge

But, there is one small snag. When playing one of the globe's top-tier teams, it is crucial to start well too. Holding out until the arrival of star substitutes such as Tom Curry and teammates could appear not so smart if the All Blacks take a large lead by halftime, as they did against the Scots at Murrayfield.

Yet that's the modern way in rugby. Furthermore few are more expert about the subject than the England coach, as he sat out multiple games as an unused substitute during his career.

Past Examples

Including those matches, he recalled recently, is the famous match against the All Blacks in Wellington back in 2003, where England's forwards were reduced to six due to disciplinary issues. Even then, Borthwick and fellow substitutes remained unused throughout the match.

On the other hand, in Rome earlier, Clive Woodward brought on four experienced leaders after 56 minutes, a move memorably described as "the most illustrious substitutes ever."

Today's Plan

The current England bench selection almost rivals those for "impact player" energy, with the team clearly aiming to overtake the opposition during the last quarter. "Every match we've played against New Zealand has been close late," Borthwick said. "Therefore it's crucial the right players available to finish the game... having such a degree of know-how among substitutes is also a key advantage for the team."

Fan Perspective

Some fans paying high prices on seats this weekend questioning whether reduced pricing might be available if matches now effectively depend on only the final minutes rather than the entire 80 minutes. Joking aside, though, exists a further subtly compelling reason: that the coach's trust in younger talents such as Joe Heyes has becoming so deep that England's "best" first lineup is not exactly as many supporters might assume.

Picking Choices

Whether that makes him to be "a bold coach" remains not something he's is minded to talk about – "I don't into tags... I try and pick the strongest squad we possibly can for the results" – but the team's ongoing run of nine victories in a row has strengthened the view how international the sport is increasingly a 23-man effort.

"I think every member understands that it's a collective effort. All the individuals here assisting the team get ready each contribute. This type of selfless attitude has not necessarily existed present in an England team. It was not my experience when I was a player."

Delicate Judgments

Some difficult choices are having to occur, however, with the absence of key players. The coach also notes that "blessed for choice" at fly-half, and on this occasion, it is one club's Fin Smith that is omitted entirely. Considering wet weather forecast, choosing an experienced player at No 10 is hardly a huge surprise, and ability the All Blacks' back three under kicks is sure to be examined frequently.

Experience plus Flexibility

Then, comes the added value of experience together with the need for substitute option that can slot into other positions, particularly with another individual still fully fit. "It was possible to select either of the three fly-halves and be sat now saying why each is the right player because I think they're all excellent," Borthwick said. "He provides very calm presence and has the skill to bring the team together and [put] the team on to attack. It's what I'll be looking for from him to deliver on Saturday."

Closing Thoughts

Will it all be sufficient? England were defeated in all meetings against the All Blacks previously by a total difference of just a small amount, and regarding taking opportunities, Scott Robertson's side are as sharp ever. In that scenario, it's likely every chance of an intense battle that could come down to the final stages. Which is clearly what this setup is expecting.