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Choosing your strongest starting XV for a major match contest feels more and more quaint these days, bringing back memories of past eras such as classic TV shows. To the point that one might nearly expect finding this England lineup against the All Blacks this weekend displayed with a reversed order. Even with New Zealand in town, this conventional way of choosing the team no longer hold true.

Emphasis on the Endgame

Rather, the focus is all about the match finishes. This time, Steve Borthwick has selected six experienced players on the bench versus only a few among the first XV. At some point during the second half mark on Saturday, expect a mass change involving new talent entering the field. As South Africa's renowned "Bomb Squad" has shown, such a tactic can be extremely difficult to counter.

Potential Pitfall

But, comes one minor issue. While playing one of the globe's second-best sides, it is crucial to begin well too. Holding out until the introduction from key replacements like Tom Curry and others could appear less brilliant if New Zealand take a large lead by halftime, as they did versus Scotland at Murrayfield.

But this is the modern approach in rugby. Furthermore few are more expert on this topic compared to the England coach, as he sat out several games as an unused bench in his playing days.

Historical Examples

Including these matches, Borthwick mentioned this week, was a notable Test against the All Blacks in Wellington during 2003, when the forwards was reduced to six due to yellow cards. Even then, Borthwick along with fellow reserves remained on the sidelines throughout the match.

On the other hand, during a match in Italy the previous year, the then-coach brought on multiple experienced leaders after 56 minutes, strategy memorably described like "the most illustrious bench since."

Today's Plan

The current England substitute selection almost matches that in terms of "Big Dog" vibes, as England clearly aiming to overtake the opposition during the last 20 minutes. "Every game we've faced against New Zealand has been close toward the end," the coach stated. "Therefore it's crucial the right personnel on to close out the game... utilizing that level of know-how among substitutes is a key asset for us."

Fan Considerations

Some fans paying high prices for seats this weekend wondering whether a discount could be available since matches now largely hinge around only the final minutes instead of the entire 80 minutes. Seriously, though, exists another subtly persuasive reason: that the coach's confidence toward emerging talents like Joe Heyes has grown so deep so that England's "best" first lineup is not precisely as casual fans might think.

Picking Decisions

Whether that qualifies him as "an adventurous coach" remains a topic he is minded to talk about – "I'm not go for tags... I try to select the best team we possibly can for the results" – yet England's current run of nine victories in a row has strengthened the view how international the sport is increasingly a 23-man effort.

"I think each player understands this is a collective effort. The 36 players here assisting us get ready all play a part. This type of selfless mindset has not necessarily existed the case with England team. It was different when I was playing."

Tough Judgments

Some difficult judgments are having to be made, however, due to the absence of key individuals. Borthwick additionally notes he feels "spoilt for choice" at fly-half, and on this occasion, the decision Northampton's Fin Smith that misses out completely. Given the damp conditions expected, the selection an experienced player in the pivotal role is hardly a huge shock, and the security of New Zealand's back three under kicks is sure face examined often.

Experience and Versatility

Then, there is the added importance of experience together with the need to have a bench player who can fill in the back three, particularly as another player not yet completely fit. "It was possible to picked either of the available fly-halves and explain here talking about how each is the right choice since I think they're all excellent," he said. "George is a very calm presence and possesses the skill to unite everyone as one driving them on to attack. That's exactly what expecting him to deliver this weekend."

Closing Thoughts

Will it prove sufficient? The team lost in all meetings by New Zealand last year with a combined difference only 10 points, and regarding taking opportunities, Scott Robertson's side remain as sharp as any. In that scenario, there must be a strong possibility of a close contest that could boil down to the last stages. Which is exactly what this setup is anticipating.