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Picking the top starting XV in a major rugby contest feels more and more old-fashioned these days, bringing back memories of past eras such as vintage television. To the point that you could nearly anticipate to see the home team lineup to face New Zealand on Saturday printed with a jumbled order. Despite New Zealand visiting, the conventional way of picking players doesn't applies.

Focus on the Endgame

Rather, it's all about how the game finishes. On this occasion, the coach has selected multiple British & Irish Lions for the bench versus only four among the starting lineup. At some point during the second half mark this weekend, expect an extensive change with fresh talent entering play. As South Africa's famous "impact substitutes" have shown, this tactic is very tough for opponents.

Potential Pitfall

But, comes one minor issue. When playing one of the globe's top-tier sides, it's vital to start strongly as well. Waiting for the introduction of star replacements such as Tom Curry and others might appear not so brilliant if the All Blacks build a large advantage by halftime, as they did versus Scotland last week.

Yet this is today's way for you. And not many know more knowledgeable on the subject than the England coach, who spent multiple games as an unused substitute during his playing days.

Past Context

Among these matches, Borthwick recalled this week, was a notable Test against New Zealand in Wellington back in 2003, where England's pack were cut to six because of disciplinary issues. At that time, Borthwick along with other reserves remained on the sidelines throughout the match.

Conversely, in Rome the previous year, Clive Woodward brought on multiple England captains around the hour mark, a move famously referred to like "the most illustrious substitutes ever."

Today's Plan

This team's substitute selection nearly rivals those in terms of "Big Dog" energy, with the team clearly hoping to overtake the opposition in the last 20 minutes. "Each game we have played versus them has gone toward the end," the coach said. "So we need suitable personnel on to close out strongly... having such a degree of experience on the bench is also an important advantage for us."

Spectator Considerations

There will be fans spending high rates on seats this weekend wondering if a discount could be offered since games now largely hinge around just 20-odd minutes instead of the entire 80 minutes. Seriously, however, there is another subtly compelling explanation: which is the coach's confidence toward younger players like Joe Heyes is becoming so strong that England's "best" starting team is not exactly what casual fans would think.

Picking Decisions

Whether that makes Borthwick to be "a bold selector" remains a topic he is minded to discuss – "I'm not go for tags... I aim and pick the best squad possible to get success" – yet the team's current run with nine victories in a row has strengthened his belief how Test rugby is increasingly an entire squad effort.

"I think each member understands this is a team effort. The 36 players here assisting the team get ready each contribute. This type of selfless mindset has not always existed present with England team. It was different during my time as playing."

Delicate Decisions

Several delicate judgments have had to be made, however, with injuries of key individuals. The coach additionally notes that "spoilt for choice" at fly-half, so this time, the decision Northampton's young talent who misses out completely. Given wet weather forecast, choosing of George Ford at No 10 is hardly a major surprise, while the security the All Blacks' back three under kicks will likely to be tested often.

Experience and Versatility

Then, there is the extra importance of experience together with necessity for a bench option that is able to fill in the back three, particularly as a key individual not yet fully fit. "I could have picked any of the three playmakers and explain here talking about how they're the best choice because I think they're all terrific," Borthwick commented. "George is a very calm presence and possesses the ability to bring the team together driving them onto attack. That's exactly what expecting him to do this weekend."

Final Outlook

Will it prove sufficient? The team were defeated in all meetings by the All Blacks previously by a total difference only a small amount, and in terms of taking opportunities, Scott Robertson's side are as sharp ever. In that scenario, it's likely every chance of a close contest which potentially boil down to the final stages. Which is clearly what the England setup are expecting.