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Choosing your strongest starting XV for a important match contest appears more and more outdated these days, evoking memories of past eras such as vintage television. To the point that you could almost anticipate to see this home team selection to face New Zealand this weekend printed with a jumbled order. Even with New Zealand visiting, the conventional way for picking the team no longer applies.

Focus on the Endgame

Rather, it's all about how the game concludes. On this occasion, Steve Borthwick has selected six experienced players on the bench compared to only four among the first XV. Around during the 50-minute point this weekend, there will be an extensive substitution involving fresh players entering the field. As South Africa's renowned "Bomb Squad" has shown, this tactic can be very difficult to counter.

Potential Pitfall

However, there is one small snag. When playing the world's second-best sides, it's essential to begin strongly as well. Waiting for the introduction of star substitutes such as Tom Curry and others could appear less smart if New Zealand take a large advantage early on, as they did against the Scots last week.

But this is the modern approach for you. Furthermore not many know more expert on this topic compared to Borthwick, as he spent several games as an unused bench during his playing days.

Past Examples

Among those matches, Borthwick mentioned this week, is the famous Test against New Zealand abroad during 2003, when England's pack were reduced to six due to yellow cards. At that time, Borthwick and other substitutes stayed unused throughout the 80 minutes.

On the other hand, in Rome the previous year, Clive Woodward introduced four experienced leaders around the hour mark, strategy famously referred to as "the most illustrious bench since."

Today's Plan

This team's bench choices nearly rivals that for "Big Dog" energy, as England clearly aiming to catch New Zealand during the final 20 minutes. "Each game we've faced versus New Zealand has been close late," the coach said. "So it's crucial the right personnel on to finish the game... having such a degree of experience among substitutes is an important advantage for us."

Fan Perspective

Some those paying premium prices on tickets this weekend questioning whether a discount might be available since games now largely hinge on just the final stages instead of the full 80 minutes. Joking aside, however, exists another quietly compelling reason: that the coach's confidence in emerging players such as Fin Baxter is becoming so strong so that England's "best" starting team may not be precisely what casual fans would assume.

Selection Choices

Whether that makes Borthwick as "an adventurous selector" remains a topic he inclined to discuss – "I'm not go for labels... I aim and pick the strongest team we possibly can for the results" – but England's ongoing run of nine victories consecutively has strengthened the view how Test the sport is increasingly a 23-man game.

"I think each player recognizes this is a collective endeavor. All the players in camp helping us prepare each play a part. This type of selfless attitude has not necessarily been the case with past squads. That was not my experience when I was playing."

Delicate Decisions

Some delicate judgments have had to be made, even so, with the absence of key players. Borthwick additionally notes he feels "blessed with options" at fly-half, and on this occasion, it is Northampton's young talent who misses out entirely. Given wet weather forecast, choosing an experienced player in the pivotal role is hardly a huge shock, and the security the All Blacks' back three against high balls is sure to be tested often.

Know-How and Versatility

Then, there is the added importance of experience and necessity for a bench player who is able to fill in the back three, particularly with a key individual not yet completely ready. "It was possible to select any of the three fly-halves and be sat here talking about how they're the right player since I think they're all excellent," he said. "He is a very calm leader but also has the ability to bring the team together driving the team on to the front foot. It's what I'll be expecting him to do on Saturday."

Final Outlook

Can it all be enough? England were defeated in all meetings by the All Blacks previously by a total margin of just 10 points, while regarding converting chances, the opposition are highly effective ever. Given this scenario, there must be every chance of an intense contest which could boil down to the final stages. That's exactly what this setup is anticipating.