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Selecting your top starting XV in a important match game feels increasingly quaint nowadays, bringing back memories of past eras such as vintage television. So much so that one might almost expect finding the home team selection against the All Blacks this weekend printed in a reversed sequence. Despite the All Blacks in town, the traditional way of choosing players no longer hold true.

Emphasis on the Endgame

Rather, it's centered on the game ends. On this occasion, the coach has selected multiple British & Irish Lions for the substitutes compared to just a few in the starting lineup. Around during the second half mark this weekend, there will be a mass substitution involving fresh players joining play. Similar to South Africa's famous "impact substitutes" have demonstrated, this tactic can be extremely difficult for opponents.

Potential Pitfall

However, comes a small issue. When playing one of the globe's top-tier sides, it's essential to start well as well. Waiting for the arrival of star replacements such as Tom Curry or others could appear not so brilliant should the All Blacks take a significant lead early on, like versus Scotland at Murrayfield.

Yet that's the modern way for you. And not many are more knowledgeable about this topic compared to the England coach, as he spent several games as an unused bench in his playing days.

Past Context

Including those occasions, Borthwick recalled recently, was the famous match against New Zealand abroad back in 2003, where the forwards was cut to six because of disciplinary issues. Even then, he and fellow substitutes remained unused throughout the match.

Conversely, during a match in Italy earlier, Clive Woodward brought on multiple England captains around the hour mark, strategy famously referred to like "an exceptionally strong substitutes since."

Today's Plan

The current team's bench selection nearly rivals those in terms of "impact player" energy, with the team obviously aiming to overtake the opposition during the final quarter. "Each game we have faced against New Zealand has gone late," Borthwick said. "Therefore it's crucial suitable personnel on to finish strongly... having that level of experience among substitutes is a key asset for the team."

Spectator Perspective

There will be those spending premium rates on tickets this weekend wondering whether reduced pricing could be offered since games currently largely hinge around only the final minutes instead of the entire 80 minutes. Seriously, however, there is a further subtly compelling explanation: that Borthwick's trust toward emerging players like Joe Heyes has grown so deep that the "best" first team is not exactly as casual fans might assume.

Selection Decisions

If this qualifies him to be "a bold selector" is not something he's inclined to talk about – "I don't go for tags... I try to select the best squad possible for the results" – yet England's current streak of nine victories consecutively has strengthened the view how Test the sport has become more of a 23-man game.

"In my view each member recognizes this is a team effort. The 36 players in camp helping us prepare each contribute. That kind of unselfish mindset has not always been present in an England team. It was different during my time as playing."

Tough Judgments

Several difficult choices are having to be made, even so, with injuries of certain players. The coach also notes that "blessed with options" in key positions, and this time, it is one club's young talent that is omitted completely. Given wet conditions expected, the selection of George Ford at No 10 is hardly a huge surprise, while the security the All Blacks' back three against high balls is sure to be examined frequently.

Know-How and Flexibility

Then, comes the extra value of experience and necessity for a bench player who can slot into other positions, particularly as a key player not yet fully fit. "I could have select any of the three playmakers and explain here talking why each is the right choice since I believe they're all excellent," Borthwick commented. "George is a very calm leader and has the skill to unite everyone together driving them on to the front foot. It's what I'll be looking for from him to deliver on Saturday."

Closing Thoughts

Will it all be enough? The team were defeated in all meetings against New Zealand previously by a total difference only 10 points, and in terms of converting chances, the opposition remain as sharp as any. Given this event, there must be a strong possibility of an intense contest that potentially boil down to the final 20 minutes. That's clearly what the England setup are expecting.