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Choosing your top lineup in a important rugby game appears increasingly quaint today, evoking memories of past eras like classic TV shows. So much so that you might nearly expect to see the home team selection against the All Blacks on Saturday displayed in a jumbled order. Despite New Zealand in town, the traditional method of picking players no longer hold true.

Focus on the Final Stages

Instead, it's all about how the match ends. This time, Steve Borthwick opted to chosen multiple British & Irish Lions for the substitutes versus just four in the first XV. At some point the second half mark this weekend, expect a mass change with fresh players joining play. Similar to the Springboks' renowned "Bomb Squad" have demonstrated, such a tactic can be very difficult to counter.

Possible Pitfall

But, comes a minor snag. While facing one of the globe's top-tier teams, it's vital to start well too. Waiting until the introduction of key replacements such as Ellis Genge and teammates could seem not so brilliant should New Zealand take a significant advantage by halftime, as they did versus Scotland at Murrayfield.

But this is the modern way for you. Furthermore not many know more expert about the subject than Borthwick, as he sat out several matches on the substitute in his career.

Past Examples

Including these matches, Borthwick mentioned this week, was a notable Test against New Zealand abroad back in 2003, where the forwards was reduced to six because of disciplinary issues. At that time, he and other substitutes stayed unused for the entire 80 minutes.

On the other hand, in Rome earlier, Clive Woodward introduced multiple England captains around 56 minutes, strategy memorably referred to as "the most illustrious bench ever."

Today's Plan

The current England bench selection nearly matches that for "impact player" energy, as the team obviously hoping to overtake the opposition in the last quarter. "Each game we've played versus New Zealand has gone late," Borthwick stated. "So it's crucial suitable players available to close out strongly... utilizing that level of know-how on the bench is also an important advantage for the team."

Spectator Perspective

Some those spending premium prices on tickets at the stadium questioning if reduced pricing could be available if games now largely depend around only the final minutes rather than the full 80 minutes. Joking aside, though, there is a further quietly persuasive explanation: that Borthwick's confidence toward emerging players such as Fin Baxter has grown sufficiently deep that the "strongest" first lineup is not precisely what many fans would think.

Picking Choices

Whether that qualifies him to be "an adventurous selector" remains not something he inclined to discuss – "I don't into labels... I try and pick the strongest squad we possibly can to get success" – yet England's current run with nine victories in a row has strengthened his belief that Test the sport is increasingly a 23-man effort.

"I think each member recognizes this is a team endeavor. The 36 individuals here helping the team prepare all contribute. That kind of unselfish attitude has not always been present with England team. It was different when I was a player."

Tough Judgments

Several difficult judgments have had to occur, however, with the absence of certain players. The coach also notes that "spoilt with options" in key positions, and on this occasion, the decision Northampton's young talent who is omitted completely. Given wet conditions expected, choosing an experienced player in the pivotal role is hardly a major surprise, and the security the All Blacks' defense against high balls is sure to be tested often.

Know-How plus Versatility

Then, comes the extra importance of seasoned players together with necessity to have a bench player that is able to slot into the back three, particularly with a key individual still completely ready. "I could have select either of the available fly-halves and be sat now talking why each is the right choice since I think each one is terrific," he said. "George is a very calm presence but also has the skill to unite the team as one driving them onto attack. That's exactly what looking for him to do on Saturday."

Closing Thoughts

Can it prove enough? The team were defeated in all meetings against the All Blacks previously with a combined margin of just a small amount, while in terms of converting chances, Scott Robertson's side are as sharp ever. Given this event, it's likely every chance of an intense battle that potentially come down to the final 20 minutes. Which is clearly what the England setup are anticipating.