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Choosing the strongest starting XV for a important rugby contest seems more and more quaint these days, evoking thoughts of bygone days such as vintage television. So much so where you might almost expect finding this home team lineup against the All Blacks on Saturday printed with a reversed order. Despite New Zealand in town, the conventional way for picking the team no longer hold true.

Emphasis on the Final Stages

Rather, it's all about how the match finishes. On this occasion, Steve Borthwick has selected six British & Irish Lions for the substitutes versus only a few in the starting lineup. Around during the 50-minute point this weekend, there will be an extensive change with fresh players joining the field. Similar to South Africa's renowned "impact substitutes" has shown, such a tactic can be very difficult for opponents.

Potential Challenge

But, comes a minor snag. When playing one of the globe's top-tier teams, it is vital to start well as well. Waiting until the introduction from star replacements like Tom Curry or others might seem less brilliant if the All Blacks build a large advantage early on, like versus Scotland at Murrayfield.

Yet this is the modern approach in rugby. Furthermore not many are more knowledgeable about this topic than Borthwick, as he sat out multiple games as an unused substitute in his playing days.

Historical Examples

Among those matches, Borthwick mentioned recently, is a notable Test versus New Zealand in Wellington during 2003, where England's pack were cut to six because of yellow cards. Even then, Borthwick and fellow reserves stayed on the sidelines throughout the match.

Conversely, during a match in Italy earlier, Clive Woodward brought on four experienced leaders after 56 minutes, a move memorably described as "the most illustrious bench ever."

Today's Strategy

The current team's bench selection almost rivals that for "Big Dog" energy, with England clearly hoping to catch the opposition during the last 20 minutes. "Every game we've played against New Zealand has gone late," the coach said. "So we need the right personnel available to finish strongly... having that level of experience among substitutes is also a key asset for us."

Spectator Considerations

There will be those spending premium prices for seats at the stadium wondering whether reduced pricing might be available if games now largely depend around just 20-odd stages instead of the entire 80 minutes. Joking aside, however, exists a further quietly compelling explanation: that the coach's confidence in emerging players like Fin Baxter is becoming sufficiently deep that England's "best" starting lineup is not exactly what casual supporters would assume.

Selection Decisions

Whether that makes him as "a bold coach" remains a topic he inclined to discuss – "I don't go for tags... I try and pick the strongest squad we possibly can to get success" – but England's ongoing run with nine Test wins consecutively has reinforced the view how international rugby is increasingly a 23-man effort.

"In my view every member understands this is a team effort. All the individuals here helping us prepare each contribute. That kind of selfless mindset hasn't always been the case with past squads. That was different when I was a player."

Tough Decisions

Some difficult judgments have had to occur, even so, with injuries of certain individuals. The coach also says he feels "blessed for choice" at fly-half, so this time, the decision Northampton's young talent who is omitted entirely. Considering the damp conditions expected, choosing an experienced player at No 10 is hardly a major shock, while the security the All Blacks' back three against kicks will likely face tested frequently.

Experience plus Versatility

Then, there is the extra value of seasoned players and necessity to have substitute player who can slot into the back three, particularly as another player still fully fit. "It was possible to select any of the three playmakers and explain here talking why they're the right choice since I believe they're all terrific," he commented. "George provides composed presence and has the ability to bring the team together driving them onto the front foot. That's what I'll be expecting him to deliver on Saturday."

Final Thoughts

Can it prove sufficient? The team lost in all meetings against the All Blacks last year with a combined margin of just a small amount, while regarding converting chances, the opposition remain as sharp ever. In that scenario, there must be every chance of an intense contest which could come down to the last 20 minutes. Which is exactly what the England setup is expecting.