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Choosing the strongest starting XV for a big rugby contest appears increasingly old-fashioned today, evoking memories of past eras like classic TV shows. To the point that you might almost expect finding the home team selection to face New Zealand on Saturday printed with a reversed sequence. Despite New Zealand visiting, the traditional method for picking players doesn't hold true.

Emphasis on the Endgame

Instead, it's centered on how the match ends. This time, Steve Borthwick opted to selected six experienced players for the substitutes compared to only four among the starting lineup. At some point the 50-minute point this weekend, there will be an extensive change with fresh players joining play. Similar to South Africa's renowned "impact substitutes" have shown, such a approach can be extremely tough to counter.

Possible Challenge

However, comes one minor snag. When playing one of the globe's top-tier teams, it's crucial to start well too. Holding out until the arrival of star replacements such as Ellis Genge and teammates could appear less smart if New Zealand build a large advantage by halftime, like against the Scots last week.

But that's today's way for you. And few know more expert about this topic than the England coach, who sat out several matches as an unused bench during his playing days.

Historical Context

Including those occasions, Borthwick mentioned recently, is the famous match against New Zealand in Wellington during 2003, where England's pack was cut to six because of disciplinary issues. Even then, Borthwick and fellow substitutes remained unused throughout the match.

Conversely, during a match in Italy the previous year, Clive Woodward introduced four England captains around the hour mark, a move memorably described as "an exceptionally strong substitutes since."

Today's Plan

This England bench selection nearly matches those for "Big Dog" vibes, as the team clearly hoping to overtake New Zealand in the last quarter. "Every game we've played versus New Zealand has gone late," Borthwick stated. "So we need suitable personnel on to finish the game... having such a degree of know-how on the bench is also a key advantage for us."

Fan Considerations

Some fans paying high rates for tickets at the stadium wondering whether a discount might be available if games currently largely hinge on just 20-odd minutes rather than the entire match. Joking aside, though, there is another subtly persuasive explanation: which is Borthwick's confidence toward younger players such as Fin Baxter is becoming sufficiently strong so that England's "best" starting lineup may not be exactly what many supporters might think.

Picking Decisions

Whether that makes Borthwick to be "an adventurous coach" remains a topic he inclined to talk about – "I'm not into tags... I aim to select the strongest team possible to get the results" – yet the team's ongoing run with nine victories consecutively has strengthened the view that international the sport is more of a 23-man effort.

"In my view each player understands that it's a team endeavor. The 36 players in camp helping us get ready each play a part. That kind of unselfish attitude has not always existed the case in an England team. That was not my experience during my time as playing."

Delicate Decisions

Several difficult choices are having to be made, however, with injuries of key players. Borthwick additionally notes he feels "blessed for choice" in key positions, so this time, it is one club's young talent that misses out entirely. Given the damp weather forecast, choosing an experienced player at No 10 is not a huge surprise, while the security of New Zealand's back three against high balls is sure to be examined often.

Know-How and Versatility

Additionally, comes the extra value of experience and necessity for substitute player that is able to slot into the back three, especially as a key individual still fully ready. "I could have picked either of the available fly-halves and explain here talking about how each is the right choice since I think they're all excellent," Borthwick commented. "He is a composed leader but also possesses the skill to bring the team together and [put] the team onto attack. That's what I'll be expecting from him to do on Saturday."

Closing Outlook

Can it prove sufficient? The team were defeated three times by New Zealand last year by a total difference only a small amount, while in terms of taking chances, the opposition remain highly effective ever. Given this scenario, it's likely a strong possibility of an intense battle which potentially boil down to the final stages. Which is clearly what the England approach are expecting.