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Selecting the top starting XV for a big rugby game feels more and more outdated today, evoking memories of different times like classic TV shows. To the point where you might almost anticipate finding this home team selection against the All Blacks on Saturday displayed with a reversed sequence. Despite New Zealand in town, the traditional method for picking the team doesn't hold true.

Emphasis on the Final Stages

Instead, the focus is all about how the match ends. On this occasion, Steve Borthwick opted to selected multiple experienced players for the substitutes compared to just a few among the starting lineup. At some point during the second half point this weekend, there will be an extensive substitution with new players entering play. As South Africa's famous "impact substitutes" have shown, such a approach is very tough for opponents.

Potential Pitfall

However, there is a minor issue. While facing the world's second-best teams, it is essential to start well too. Waiting until the arrival from star replacements like Ellis Genge or teammates might appear less brilliant if the All Blacks take a significant lead by halftime, as they did against the Scots last week.

Yet this is today's way in rugby. Furthermore not many know more knowledgeable about this topic than Borthwick, who sat out several games on the substitute in his playing days.

Historical Context

Among these matches, he recalled this week, was the famous Test versus New Zealand in Wellington during 2003, when the forwards were reduced to six due to disciplinary issues. At that time, he along with fellow substitutes remained on the sidelines throughout the 80 minutes.

Conversely, in Rome earlier, Clive Woodward introduced multiple experienced leaders around 56 minutes, strategy famously referred to like "an exceptionally strong substitutes ever."

Current Strategy

The current team's substitute selection nearly matches that for "Big Dog" vibes, with England obviously aiming to catch the opposition during the last 20 minutes. "Each game we've played against them has gone late," Borthwick said. "So we need suitable personnel on to finish strongly... having that level of know-how on the bench is a key advantage for us."

Fan Considerations

Some fans paying high rates for tickets this weekend wondering whether reduced pricing might be available if matches currently effectively depend on just 20-odd stages instead of the full match. Joking aside, though, exists another quietly compelling reason: that Borthwick's trust toward younger players such as Fin Baxter is grown so deep that the "best" starting team may not be exactly as casual supporters would assume.

Picking Decisions

If this makes him as "a bold coach" is not something he inclined to discuss – "I'm not go for tags... I aim to select the best team possible for the results" – but England's ongoing streak of nine victories in a row has strengthened his belief how Test rugby has become increasingly a 23-man effort.

"I think each player recognizes that it's a team endeavor. The 36 individuals in camp helping the team get ready all contribute. This type of unselfish attitude hasn't necessarily been present with past squads. It was different during my time as a player."

Delicate Judgments

Several delicate judgments have had to be made, however, with the absence of key players. Borthwick also says he feels "blessed for choice" in key positions, so this time, it is Northampton's Fin Smith who is omitted completely. Given the damp weather forecast, the selection an experienced player at No 10 is not a major surprise, and ability the All Blacks' defense against high balls is sure face tested frequently.

Know-How plus Versatility

Additionally, comes the extra value of experience and necessity to have a bench option who can slot into other positions, especially with a key individual not yet fully fit. "I could have select either of the three fly-halves and be sat now saying about how each is the right choice because I believe they're all excellent," he said. "He is a very calm presence but also has the skill to bring everyone as one and [put] them on to attack. That's exactly what looking for from him to deliver this weekend."

Final Thoughts

Can it prove sufficient? The team lost in all meetings by New Zealand previously by a total margin only a small amount, while in terms of taking opportunities, the opposition are as sharp as any. Given this scenario, it's likely a strong possibility of an intense battle that potentially come down to the final stages. Which is exactly what this approach are anticipating.