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Choosing the top lineup for a important match game seems more and more outdated nowadays, evoking thoughts of past eras such as vintage television. To the point where you could almost expect finding the England lineup against New Zealand on Saturday printed with a jumbled sequence. Despite New Zealand in town, this conventional way for choosing players doesn't applies.

Emphasis on the Endgame

Instead, the focus is all about the game concludes. This time, the coach opted to selected six British & Irish Lions on the bench compared to only four in the starting lineup. Around the second half mark this weekend, expect an extensive substitution involving fresh talent joining the field. Similar to South Africa's famous "impact substitutes" has shown, such a tactic is extremely tough for opponents.

Possible Challenge

But, comes one small snag. When playing the world's top-tier sides, it's crucial to begin strongly as well. Waiting for the arrival of key substitutes like Ellis Genge and teammates might appear not so smart should the All Blacks take a large advantage early on, like versus Scotland at Murrayfield.

Yet that's the modern way for you. And few know more expert on the subject than the England coach, as he sat out several games as an unused substitute during his career.

Historical Examples

Including these occasions, he recalled recently, is the famous Test against New Zealand abroad during 2003, when the forwards was reduced down because of disciplinary issues. At that time, Borthwick and other substitutes stayed on the sidelines throughout the match.

Conversely, in Rome earlier, Clive Woodward brought on four experienced leaders around the hour mark, a move memorably described like "an exceptionally strong substitutes since."

Today's Strategy

The current team's substitute choices almost rivals that in terms of "impact player" vibes, as the team obviously aiming to catch New Zealand during the final 20 minutes. "Each game we have faced against New Zealand has been close late," the coach said. "Therefore it's crucial suitable players on to finish the game... having that level of experience among substitutes is also a key advantage for the team."

Fan Perspective

There will be fans paying premium prices for tickets at the stadium wondering whether reduced pricing could be offered if matches now effectively depend around only 20-odd minutes instead of the entire 80 minutes. Seriously, though, there is a further subtly persuasive reason: which is Borthwick's confidence toward emerging talents such as Joe Heyes has grown sufficiently deep that England's "best" first team may not be precisely what many fans would think.

Picking Decisions

If this qualifies him as "an adventurous selector" remains not something he is minded to discuss – "I'm not into tags... I aim to select the best squad possible to get the results" – but England's ongoing streak with nine Test wins in a row has strengthened his belief that international rugby has become increasingly a 23-man effort.

"In my view each member understands this is a team endeavor. All the individuals in camp assisting the team prepare each contribute. That kind of selfless mindset has not always been present with past squads. It was not my experience during my time as playing."

Tough Decisions

Several difficult choices have had to be made, however, due to injuries of certain individuals. Borthwick also notes that "spoilt with options" at fly-half, and on this occasion, it is Northampton's young talent that misses out entirely. Given wet conditions expected, the selection an experienced player in the pivotal role is hardly a huge surprise, while the security the All Blacks' back three under kicks will likely face tested frequently.

Know-How plus Versatility

Additionally, there is the added importance of experience together with the need for substitute option that can fill in other positions, particularly with a key player still fully fit. "It was possible to picked any of the available fly-halves then be sat now saying about how each is the right player since I believe they're all terrific," he said. "George provides composed leader and possesses the skill to unite everyone together driving them on to the front foot. That's what I'll be expecting him to do on Saturday."

Final Outlook

Will it all be sufficient? England were defeated in all meetings against the All Blacks last year by a total difference of just a small amount, while regarding converting chances, the opposition are highly effective as any. In that event, there must be every chance of an intense battle which could boil down to the final 20 minutes. Which is clearly what the England approach is expecting.