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Choosing your best starting XV for a important match contest appears increasingly outdated today, bringing back memories of different times like classic TV shows. So much so that you could almost anticipate finding the England selection against the All Blacks this weekend displayed with a reversed sequence. Even with the All Blacks in town, the traditional way for choosing the team no longer hold true.

Emphasis on the Final Stages

Rather, it's all about how the game ends. This time, the coach has selected six British & Irish Lions on the bench compared to just four among the starting lineup. At some point the second half mark this weekend, there will be a mass substitution involving new players entering play. As South Africa's famous "impact substitutes" has shown, such a tactic can be very tough to counter.

Potential Challenge

But, there is a small snag. When facing the world's second-best sides, it's essential to start strongly too. Holding out for the arrival from key substitutes such as Tom Curry or others could appear not so brilliant should New Zealand take a significant advantage by halftime, like against Scotland last week.

Yet that's the modern way in rugby. And not many are more knowledgeable on this topic than Borthwick, who spent several games as an unused substitute during his career.

Historical Context

Among these occasions, Borthwick recalled recently, is a notable Test versus New Zealand abroad during 2003, when England's forwards were cut down because of disciplinary issues. At that time, Borthwick along with fellow reserves remained unused throughout the match.

On the other hand, in Rome the previous year, Clive Woodward introduced multiple England captains after the hour mark, strategy famously described as "an exceptionally strong substitutes ever."

Today's Plan

The current team's bench selection nearly rivals that for "impact player" vibes, with England clearly aiming to overtake New Zealand in the last quarter. "Each match we've played against them has been close late," Borthwick said. "Therefore we need suitable personnel on to close out strongly... having such a degree of experience among substitutes is also an important asset for the team."

Fan Considerations

Some fans spending premium prices on seats at the stadium questioning whether reduced pricing could be available if matches now largely depend around just the final stages instead of the entire match. Joking aside, though, exists a further quietly compelling reason: that Borthwick's trust toward younger players like Fin Baxter is becoming so deep so that the "best" first lineup may not be precisely what casual fans would assume.

Picking Choices

If this makes Borthwick to be "an adventurous selector" is not something he inclined to talk about – "I don't go for labels... I try to select the strongest team we possibly can to get success" – yet England's current run of nine Test wins consecutively has reinforced his belief that international rugby is more of a 23-man effort.

"In my view each player understands that it's a collective effort. All the individuals in camp assisting the team prepare each play a part. That kind of selfless attitude has not always been present with past squads. It was not my experience when I was a player."

Tough Decisions

Several difficult judgments are having to be made, however, due to injuries of certain individuals. Borthwick also says that "blessed for choice" in key positions, and on this occasion, the decision Northampton's Fin Smith who is omitted completely. Considering wet conditions expected, choosing an experienced player at No 10 is not a major shock, and the security of New Zealand's back three against high balls is sure to be tested frequently.

Experience and Flexibility

Then, comes the added value of experience and the need for a bench option that can slot into other positions, particularly with another individual not yet fully ready. "It was possible to select any of the three fly-halves and be sat here talking why each is the best player because I think each one is excellent," he commented. "He provides composed leader and has the skill to bring the team together driving them onto attack. It's what I'll be looking for him to do this weekend."

Closing Thoughts

Can it all be sufficient? The team were defeated three times by New Zealand last year by a total margin only a small amount, while in terms of taking opportunities, Scott Robertson's side remain as sharp as any. Given this event, it's likely every chance of a close battle that could boil down to the last 20 minutes. Which is clearly what the England setup is expecting.