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Selecting your strongest starting XV in a major match game seems increasingly quaint these days, bringing back memories of different times such as classic TV shows. So much so where you could nearly anticipate to see the England lineup to face New Zealand this weekend printed with a reversed sequence. Even with the All Blacks in town, this traditional method of choosing the team doesn't applies.

Emphasis on the Endgame

Rather, it's centered on how the match concludes. This time, the coach has chosen six experienced players for the substitutes compared to only a few in the first XV. At some point during the 50-minute mark this weekend, expect a mass change involving new talent joining the field. As South Africa's famous "Bomb Squad" have shown, such a approach can be extremely difficult to counter.

Possible Pitfall

However, comes a minor snag. While facing one of the globe's second-best sides, it is crucial to begin well as well. Waiting for the introduction from key substitutes like Tom Curry and teammates could appear not so brilliant should New Zealand build a significant advantage by halftime, like versus the Scots at Murrayfield.

But that's today's approach for you. Furthermore few are more knowledgeable about this topic compared to Borthwick, as he sat out several matches as an unused bench during his career.

Past Examples

Including these occasions, Borthwick recalled recently, was the famous match against New Zealand abroad during 2003, when England's forwards was reduced down because of yellow cards. Even then, Borthwick along with other substitutes remained unused throughout the 80 minutes.

Conversely, during a match in Italy the previous year, Clive Woodward brought on four England captains around 56 minutes, a move famously referred to as "an exceptionally strong bench since."

Current Strategy

This England bench selection nearly rivals those for "impact player" energy, with the team obviously hoping to overtake New Zealand during the last quarter. "Each game we've faced versus them has been close late," the coach said. "So we need suitable personnel available to close out strongly... having such a degree of know-how among substitutes is a key advantage for the team."

Fan Considerations

There will be those spending high prices on seats at the stadium questioning whether a discount might be available since matches currently largely depend on just 20-odd stages instead of the entire 80 minutes. Seriously, however, exists a further subtly compelling explanation: that Borthwick's confidence toward younger players like Joe Heyes has grown so deep so that the "strongest" first lineup is not precisely what casual fans would think.

Picking Decisions

Whether this makes him as "a bold coach" is not something he's inclined to discuss – "I don't into labels... I try and pick the best team possible for the results" – but England's ongoing streak with nine victories consecutively has strengthened the view that international the sport is increasingly a 23-man effort.

"I think every member recognizes this is a collective effort. All the individuals in camp helping the team prepare each play a part. This type of selfless attitude has not always existed the case with past squads. That was not my experience during my time as a player."

Delicate Decisions

Some difficult choices are having to be made, however, with injuries of certain individuals. The coach also says that "spoilt for choice" at fly-half, so on this occasion, the decision Northampton's young talent that is omitted completely. Considering the damp weather forecast, choosing an experienced player at No 10 is not a major surprise, and the security the All Blacks' back three against kicks will likely to be examined often.

Know-How plus Flexibility

Additionally, comes the added importance of experience together with necessity to have substitute option who is able to slot into other positions, particularly with a key individual still completely fit. "I could have select either of the available fly-halves and be sat here talking about how they're the right player since I believe they're all terrific," Borthwick said. "He is a very calm presence and possesses the ability to unite the team as one and [put] them on to the front foot. That's exactly what expecting him to do on Saturday."

Final Outlook

Will it all be sufficient? The team lost three times against New Zealand previously with a combined margin of just 10 points, and in terms of converting chances, the opposition remain as sharp as any. Given this scenario, there must be every chance of a close battle which potentially boil down to the last 20 minutes. That's clearly what the England setup are anticipating.