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Picking your top starting XV in a big match game feels increasingly quaint these days, bringing back thoughts of bygone days like vintage television. To the point where you could almost anticipate finding the England lineup against the All Blacks this weekend displayed in a reversed sequence. Even with New Zealand visiting, the conventional way for picking the team doesn't hold true.

Focus on the Endgame

Rather, the focus is centered on how the game ends. On this occasion, Steve Borthwick has selected multiple British & Irish Lions on the bench versus only a few in the first XV. Around the second half mark this weekend, expect a mass change with new players joining the field. Similar to the Springboks' renowned "Bomb Squad" have shown, such a tactic can be very difficult for opponents.

Potential Challenge

But, comes a small issue. While playing the world's top-tier sides, it is essential to begin well too. Waiting for the introduction of star replacements such as Ellis Genge or teammates might seem not so smart should the All Blacks build a significant lead by halftime, like against Scotland at Murrayfield.

But that's the modern approach in rugby. And not many know more expert on the subject compared to the England coach, as he sat out multiple games as an unused substitute in his playing days.

Past Context

Among those occasions, he mentioned recently, was the famous match against New Zealand in Wellington during 2003, when the forwards was cut down because of disciplinary issues. At that time, Borthwick and fellow substitutes stayed unused for the entire 80 minutes.

Conversely, in Rome earlier, the then-coach brought on multiple England captains after the hour mark, strategy famously described like "the most illustrious substitutes since."

Current Plan

This England bench choices nearly matches those for "Big Dog" energy, as the team obviously hoping to overtake New Zealand during the final quarter. "Every game we have faced versus New Zealand has been close late," Borthwick stated. "So we need the right personnel available to finish strongly... utilizing such a degree of experience on the bench is also a key advantage for us."

Fan Considerations

There will be fans spending high prices on seats at the stadium wondering whether reduced pricing could be offered if games currently effectively depend on only the final stages instead of the full match. Seriously, though, exists another subtly compelling explanation: which is the coach's trust in younger players such as Joe Heyes has grown so deep so that England's "strongest" first team is not exactly what casual fans might think.

Selection Decisions

Whether that makes Borthwick to be "a bold selector" remains a topic he's inclined to discuss – "I don't into tags... I try and pick the strongest team possible for the results" – yet England's ongoing run with nine Test wins consecutively has reinforced the view how Test rugby is increasingly an entire squad effort.

"In my view every player understands this is a collective effort. All the individuals here helping the team prepare each contribute. That kind of unselfish attitude has not necessarily been the case in an past squads. It was different during my time as playing."

Delicate Judgments

Several delicate choices are having to occur, even so, due to injuries of key individuals. The coach also says that "blessed with options" at fly-half, so on this occasion, it is Northampton's Fin Smith that is omitted entirely. Given the damp conditions expected, choosing of George Ford at No 10 is hardly a major shock, while the security of New Zealand's back three against kicks is sure face examined frequently.

Experience and Flexibility

Then, there is the extra importance of experience and the need for a bench option that can slot into other positions, especially with another individual still completely fit. "It was possible to select any of the available fly-halves then be sat here saying about how each is the right player since I believe each one is excellent," Borthwick commented. "George provides composed leader but also possesses the ability to bring the team together driving the team on to the front foot. That's exactly what looking for him to deliver on Saturday."

Closing Outlook

Can it all be enough? The team lost three times against the All Blacks last year by a total difference only a small amount, while regarding converting opportunities, Scott Robertson's side remain as sharp ever. Given this scenario, there must be a strong possibility of a close contest that could boil down to the final 20 minutes. That's clearly what this setup are expecting.