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Selecting the strongest starting XV in a important rugby contest feels increasingly outdated nowadays, evoking memories of bygone days like vintage television. So much so that one might almost anticipate to see the home team selection against the All Blacks this weekend printed in a reversed sequence. Even with New Zealand visiting, the traditional method of choosing the team no longer applies.

Focus on the Final Stages

Instead, the focus is all about how the match ends. This time, Steve Borthwick opted to selected multiple experienced players for the substitutes compared to only a few in the first XV. Around the 50-minute mark on Saturday, there will be an extensive substitution involving fresh players entering play. As the Springboks' renowned "Bomb Squad" have shown, such a approach is extremely difficult for opponents.

Possible Pitfall

However, comes one small snag. When facing the world's second-best teams, it is vital to start well as well. Holding out for the introduction from key substitutes such as Ellis Genge and others might seem not so brilliant if the All Blacks build a large lead early on, like versus the Scots at Murrayfield.

But this is the modern way in rugby. And not many know more expert on this topic compared to Borthwick, who sat out multiple games on the bench in his career.

Past Context

Including these matches, Borthwick mentioned this week, was the famous match against New Zealand in Wellington during 2003, when England's pack were reduced to six due to disciplinary issues. At that time, he along with other reserves remained unused for the entire 80 minutes.

Conversely, during a match in Italy earlier, Clive Woodward introduced four experienced leaders around 56 minutes, a move famously referred to as "the most illustrious substitutes since."

Today's Strategy

This England bench selection almost matches those for "Big Dog" vibes, with England obviously hoping to catch the opposition in the last quarter. "Each match we have faced versus New Zealand has gone toward the end," Borthwick said. "So it's crucial the right players available to close out strongly... utilizing that level of experience on the bench is an important asset for us."

Fan Considerations

There will be those paying premium rates for tickets at the stadium wondering whether reduced pricing might be available if matches currently effectively hinge on just 20-odd minutes instead of the entire match. Joking aside, though, there is a further subtly persuasive explanation: that the coach's trust toward emerging players like Fin Baxter is becoming so strong that England's "strongest" first team is not exactly as many supporters would assume.

Selection Decisions

Whether this makes Borthwick as "an adventurous coach" is a topic he's inclined to talk about – "I'm not into labels... I try and pick the best squad we possibly can to get the results" – yet the team's ongoing run with nine Test wins in a row has reinforced the view how international rugby has become more of a 23-man effort.

"I think each player recognizes that it's a collective effort. The 36 individuals in camp helping us prepare all play a part. That kind of selfless mindset hasn't necessarily existed present with England team. That was not my experience when I was playing."

Tough Decisions

Several delicate choices have had to be made, however, due to injuries of certain players. Borthwick also says that "spoilt with options" at fly-half, and this time, the decision Northampton's young talent that misses out completely. Considering the damp weather forecast, the selection an experienced player in the pivotal role is not a major shock, while ability of New Zealand's back three against high balls will likely face examined often.

Know-How and Flexibility

Then, comes the added importance of seasoned players and the need for substitute player that can fill in other positions, particularly as a key individual still fully fit. "I could have select any of the available playmakers and be sat now saying about how each is the best choice because I believe they're all excellent," he said. "He is a composed leader and possesses the ability to unite everyone as one and [put] them onto attack. It's exactly what expecting him to do this weekend."

Final Outlook

Can it all be enough? The team were defeated in all meetings against New Zealand previously with a combined margin only a small amount, and in terms of converting opportunities, Scott Robertson's side remain highly effective ever. In that scenario, there must be every chance of a close contest that could boil down to the final stages. Which is clearly what the England setup is expecting.