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Choosing your top starting XV for a major rugby contest appears more and more quaint today, bringing back memories of different times like vintage television. So much so where you could almost anticipate finding this home team selection to face New Zealand on Saturday displayed with a reversed order. Despite New Zealand in town, this conventional method for choosing the team doesn't applies.

Emphasis on the Final Stages

Instead, the focus is centered on the match ends. On this occasion, Steve Borthwick has chosen multiple British & Irish Lions for the bench compared to only four among the starting lineup. At some point the 50-minute point on Saturday, there will be an extensive change with fresh players entering play. Similar to South Africa's renowned "Bomb Squad" has demonstrated, such a approach can be extremely tough to counter.

Possible Challenge

But, there is a minor issue. While playing one of the globe's top-tier sides, it's crucial to start strongly as well. Waiting for the arrival from key replacements like Tom Curry or teammates could seem less brilliant if New Zealand take a large advantage by halftime, as they did against the Scots at Murrayfield.

But this is today's approach for you. And few are more expert on the subject compared to Borthwick, who sat out multiple games on the bench during his career.

Past Examples

Among these occasions, Borthwick recalled this week, is a notable Test against the All Blacks in Wellington during 2003, when England's pack were cut to six because of yellow cards. Even then, he along with fellow substitutes remained unused throughout the match.

Conversely, during a match in Italy earlier, Clive Woodward introduced four England captains around the hour mark, strategy famously described as "an exceptionally strong bench ever."

Current Plan

The current England bench choices nearly rivals those in terms of "impact player" vibes, as England clearly aiming to overtake the opposition in the last quarter. "Each game we have played versus New Zealand has been close late," the coach stated. "Therefore it's crucial the right players available to finish the game... having that level of know-how on the bench is a key asset for us."

Spectator Perspective

There will be those paying premium prices for seats at the stadium wondering if reduced pricing could be offered if matches now largely hinge on only the final minutes instead of the entire match. Seriously, however, exists another subtly persuasive explanation: which is the coach's confidence toward emerging players such as Joe Heyes has grown sufficiently deep that the "best" starting team is not exactly as casual fans would think.

Selection Choices

Whether that qualifies Borthwick as "an adventurous coach" remains a topic he inclined to talk about – "I'm not into tags... I aim and pick the strongest squad possible for the results" – but the team's current run with nine victories in a row has reinforced his belief that international the sport is more of an entire squad game.

"I think every member understands this is a collective effort. The 36 individuals in camp helping us get ready all play a part. That kind of selfless attitude has not necessarily existed present with England team. It was different during my time as a player."

Delicate Decisions

Some difficult judgments are having to be made, however, with injuries of certain individuals. The coach additionally says he feels "blessed with options" at fly-half, so on this occasion, the decision one club's Fin Smith that is omitted entirely. Given the damp conditions expected, choosing an experienced player at No 10 is not a major shock, and the security the All Blacks' defense under high balls is sure to be tested frequently.

Experience plus Flexibility

Additionally, there is the added value of seasoned players together with necessity to have substitute option who is able to fill in other positions, particularly with a key individual not yet fully ready. "It was possible to picked either of the available fly-halves and be sat now saying about how they're the right choice because I believe each one is excellent," Borthwick said. "George provides very calm presence and possesses the skill to unite everyone together and [put] the team on to the front foot. It's exactly what expecting him to deliver on Saturday."

Closing Thoughts

Can it prove enough? The team lost in all meetings by the All Blacks previously with a combined margin only a small amount, and regarding taking opportunities, the opposition remain highly effective as any. In that scenario, it's likely every chance of a close battle which potentially boil down to the final stages. Which is clearly what this setup are expecting.