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Picking your best lineup for a major match contest appears increasingly outdated these days, evoking thoughts of different times like classic TV shows. To the point that one might almost anticipate finding the England selection to face the All Blacks on Saturday printed in a reversed order. Despite the All Blacks in town, the traditional way of choosing the team doesn't hold true.

Emphasis on the Endgame

Instead, the focus is all about how the game finishes. This time, the coach has chosen multiple British & Irish Lions on the substitutes compared to only four among the first XV. Around the 50-minute point this weekend, expect a mass substitution with new players joining play. Similar to the Springboks' famous "Bomb Squad" have shown, this tactic can be extremely difficult for opponents.

Possible Challenge

However, there is one small issue. While playing the world's top-tier teams, it's essential to start well too. Holding out for the arrival from key replacements such as Tom Curry and teammates could seem less smart should New Zealand take a significant advantage early on, as they did against Scotland last week.

But this is the modern approach for you. Furthermore few know more expert about the subject compared to the England coach, as he sat out multiple matches on the substitute during his career.

Past Examples

Among those matches, he mentioned this week, was a notable match against the All Blacks in Wellington back in 2003, when England's forwards was reduced down because of disciplinary issues. At that time, he and other substitutes stayed on the sidelines for the entire match.

Conversely, during a match in Italy the previous year, the then-coach brought on four England captains after the hour mark, strategy famously described as "the most illustrious bench since."

Today's Plan

The current team's bench selection almost matches that in terms of "impact player" energy, as the team clearly hoping to catch New Zealand in the last 20 minutes. "Every match we've faced versus New Zealand has been close toward the end," the coach said. "Therefore we need suitable players available to finish the game... utilizing such a degree of know-how on the bench is a key asset for us."

Spectator Perspective

Some those paying premium prices on tickets this weekend questioning if a discount could be available if matches currently effectively hinge on just the final stages instead of the entire 80 minutes. Joking aside, however, exists a further quietly compelling explanation: that Borthwick's confidence toward emerging players like Joe Heyes has becoming so strong that the "best" first team may not be exactly as casual supporters would assume.

Picking Decisions

If that qualifies Borthwick to be "an adventurous selector" remains not something he is minded to talk about – "I'm not into labels... I try to select the strongest squad possible for success" – but the team's current streak with nine Test wins in a row has reinforced the view that international rugby has become increasingly an entire squad game.

"I think each member recognizes this is a collective effort. The 36 individuals here assisting us prepare each play a part. This type of unselfish attitude hasn't always existed the case in an past squads. That was different when I was playing."

Tough Decisions

Several difficult choices are having to occur, however, with the absence of key players. Borthwick additionally says that "spoilt for choice" at fly-half, so on this occasion, it is one club's young talent that misses out completely. Given the damp conditions expected, the selection an experienced player at No 10 is hardly a huge surprise, while the security of New Zealand's back three against kicks will likely face examined often.

Know-How and Versatility

Additionally, comes the extra value of seasoned players together with the need to have substitute player who is able to slot into other positions, particularly as another individual not yet fully ready. "I could have picked any of the available playmakers and explain here talking why each is the best player since I think each one is excellent," he said. "He is a composed presence but also possesses the ability to unite the team together and [put] the team on to attack. That's exactly what expecting him to deliver on Saturday."

Closing Outlook

Can it prove enough? The team lost three times against New Zealand last year by a total margin only a small amount, while regarding converting opportunities, the opposition remain as sharp as any. In that event, it's likely a strong possibility of a close battle which could come down to the last stages. That's exactly what the England setup is anticipating.