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Choosing your strongest starting XV for a major rugby game feels more and more outdated nowadays, evoking thoughts of past eras like classic TV shows. So much so where one might almost anticipate finding this home team selection against New Zealand on Saturday displayed with a jumbled sequence. Even with the All Blacks in town, this conventional way of picking players no longer hold true.

Focus on the Final Stages

Instead, it's all about how the match concludes. On this occasion, the coach opted to chosen six experienced players on the substitutes compared to just a few in the starting lineup. Around the second half point on Saturday, expect an extensive change with new talent joining the field. As the Springboks' renowned "Bomb Squad" has shown, such a tactic is extremely tough for opponents.

Potential Challenge

However, comes one small snag. While facing one of the globe's top-tier sides, it's essential to start well too. Holding out until the arrival of key replacements like Ellis Genge or teammates might seem not so brilliant if the All Blacks build a significant advantage early on, as they did against Scotland at Murrayfield.

Yet this is today's way for you. Furthermore few are more knowledgeable about this topic than the England coach, who spent several games as an unused bench in his playing days.

Historical Context

Among those matches, Borthwick recalled this week, was the famous match against the All Blacks abroad back in 2003, where England's pack were reduced down due to yellow cards. Even then, he and fellow reserves stayed unused for the entire match.

Conversely, during a match in Italy earlier, Clive Woodward introduced multiple England captains around the hour mark, a move memorably described like "the most illustrious substitutes ever."

Current Strategy

This England substitute selection almost matches that in terms of "Big Dog" energy, as the team clearly aiming to catch New Zealand in the final quarter. "Every match we have faced against New Zealand has been close late," Borthwick said. "So we need the right players on to close out strongly... having such a degree of know-how among substitutes is an important advantage for the team."

Spectator Perspective

Some those paying premium prices for seats at the stadium wondering if a discount might be offered since matches currently largely hinge on just the final stages rather than the full match. Seriously, though, exists a further quietly compelling explanation: that Borthwick's trust toward younger players like Joe Heyes has grown so strong so that England's "strongest" starting lineup is not exactly as casual supporters would think.

Picking Decisions

Whether this makes him as "an adventurous selector" remains not something he's is minded to discuss – "I don't go for labels... I try to select the strongest team possible for success" – yet the team's ongoing run of nine victories consecutively has reinforced the view how international the sport has become more of an entire squad game.

"In my view each member understands this is a collective effort. All the individuals in camp helping us prepare all play a part. That kind of selfless attitude hasn't necessarily been present with past squads. That was not my experience during my time as playing."

Tough Decisions

Several difficult choices are having to be made, however, with injuries of certain individuals. Borthwick also notes he feels "blessed with options" in key positions, and on this occasion, it is Northampton's young talent that is omitted entirely. Given wet conditions expected, choosing an experienced player in the pivotal role is not a huge surprise, and ability the All Blacks' back three under high balls is sure to be tested often.

Know-How and Versatility

Then, comes the added importance of seasoned players together with necessity for substitute player who is able to fill in the back three, particularly as a key individual not yet completely ready. "I could have select either of the three fly-halves then be sat now saying why they're the best choice since I think each one is terrific," he said. "He is a very calm presence and possesses the skill to bring everyone together driving them onto the front foot. It's exactly what expecting from him to deliver this weekend."

Final Outlook

Can it prove sufficient? The team were defeated three times against the All Blacks previously with a combined difference of just a small amount, while in terms of converting chances, Scott Robertson's side remain as sharp ever. Given this scenario, there must be every chance of an intense contest which potentially come down to the last 20 minutes. Which is clearly what this setup is anticipating.