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Picking the best lineup for a important match contest seems more and more old-fashioned today, evoking memories of past eras such as classic TV shows. To the point where one might nearly anticipate to see the England lineup to face the All Blacks this weekend displayed with a reversed sequence. Despite New Zealand visiting, the conventional way 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, the coach has chosen multiple British & Irish Lions for the bench compared to just four in the starting lineup. Around the second half point on Saturday, expect a mass change involving new players joining play. Similar to the Springboks' famous "impact substitutes" have demonstrated, this tactic can be very tough to counter.

Potential Challenge

But, there is one minor issue. When playing the world's second-best sides, it's crucial to begin well too. Waiting for the arrival of key replacements such as Ellis Genge or teammates could appear less smart should New Zealand take a significant lead by halftime, as they did against Scotland at Murrayfield.

Yet this is the modern approach for you. Furthermore not many are more knowledgeable on this topic than Borthwick, as he spent multiple games on the substitute in his playing days.

Past Context

Among those occasions, Borthwick mentioned this week, was a notable match versus New Zealand in Wellington during 2003, when the pack was cut down because of yellow cards. Even then, he and other substitutes remained on the sidelines throughout the 80 minutes.

Conversely, during a match in Italy earlier, the then-coach introduced four England captains around the hour mark, strategy memorably referred to as "an exceptionally strong substitutes since."

Today's Plan

This England substitute selection almost rivals those for "Big Dog" vibes, as England clearly hoping to catch the opposition in the final 20 minutes. "Each match we've faced versus New Zealand has been close toward the end," the coach stated. "Therefore we need suitable personnel on to finish strongly... having that level of experience among substitutes is an important asset for the team."

Spectator Perspective

There will be fans spending premium rates on seats at the stadium wondering whether reduced pricing might be available if games currently effectively depend on only 20-odd stages instead of the entire match. Seriously, though, exists a further subtly compelling reason: that Borthwick's confidence toward younger talents such as Joe Heyes is becoming sufficiently strong that the "best" first lineup is not precisely as many supporters would think.

Picking Choices

If this makes Borthwick to be "an adventurous selector" is not something he's inclined to discuss – "I'm not go for tags... I try and pick the best squad possible to get success" – but the team's ongoing run of nine victories consecutively has strengthened his belief how Test rugby is increasingly a 23-man game.

"In my view each member recognizes this is a collective endeavor. All the players here assisting us get ready each play a part. That kind of unselfish attitude hasn't necessarily existed present in an past squads. That was not my experience during my time as playing."

Tough Decisions

Several difficult judgments are having to occur, even so, with the absence of certain players. The coach also notes he feels "spoilt for choice" at fly-half, and this time, the decision Northampton's Fin Smith who misses out entirely. Considering the damp conditions expected, the selection of George Ford at No 10 is hardly a huge shock, and the security the All Blacks' defense under kicks will likely to be tested often.

Know-How and Flexibility

Additionally, there is the extra value of experience together with necessity to have substitute player that is able to slot into the back three, particularly with a key individual not yet fully fit. "I could have select any of the available playmakers then be sat now saying about how each is the best choice because I believe they're all terrific," he said. "He is a composed leader and possesses the ability to bring the team as one driving them on to the front foot. It's exactly what expecting from him to deliver on Saturday."

Final Outlook

Will it all be sufficient? The team were defeated in all meetings by the All Blacks last year with a combined difference only a small amount, and regarding converting chances, Scott Robertson's side are as sharp as any. In that scenario, there must be a strong possibility of an intense contest which could boil down to the last 20 minutes. That's exactly what the England setup are anticipating.