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Selecting your top lineup in a major match game feels more and more outdated nowadays, evoking thoughts of different times such as classic TV shows. So much so where one could nearly anticipate finding this England selection to face New Zealand on Saturday displayed in a jumbled order. Despite New Zealand in town, the conventional method of picking players no longer applies.

Emphasis on the Endgame

Instead, the focus is centered on the match ends. On this occasion, Steve Borthwick has selected six British & Irish Lions on the bench compared to just a few in the starting lineup. At some point during the 50-minute mark on Saturday, expect an extensive substitution involving fresh players entering the field. Similar to the Springboks' famous "Bomb Squad" has demonstrated, this tactic can be extremely tough for opponents.

Possible Pitfall

But, comes one small snag. While facing one of the globe's top-tier sides, it is essential to begin well as well. Holding out for the arrival of star substitutes such as Tom Curry or others could appear not so brilliant should the All Blacks build a large lead early on, like against Scotland last week.

Yet this is today's approach in rugby. Furthermore not many are more knowledgeable about the subject than the England coach, who spent multiple games as an unused bench during his career.

Historical Examples

Including these occasions, he recalled this week, was a notable Test versus the All Blacks abroad back in 2003, where the pack were cut to six due to disciplinary issues. Even then, he along with other reserves remained unused for the entire match.

Conversely, in Rome the previous year, Clive Woodward introduced multiple England captains around the hour mark, strategy famously described as "an exceptionally strong substitutes since."

Current Plan

The current team's bench selection almost matches those for "impact player" energy, with England obviously aiming to overtake New Zealand in the last 20 minutes. "Every game we have played against them has been close late," the coach stated. "Therefore we need suitable personnel available to close out strongly... having that level of know-how among substitutes is also a key advantage for the team."

Spectator Considerations

There will be fans spending high rates for tickets this weekend questioning if a discount could be available since games currently largely depend around just 20-odd stages rather than the entire 80 minutes. Joking aside, though, there is another quietly compelling reason: that Borthwick's confidence in emerging talents like Fin Baxter is grown so deep so that England's "best" first lineup is not exactly as many fans might think.

Selection Choices

Whether this qualifies him to be "an adventurous coach" is not something he's inclined to talk about – "I don't go for labels... I aim and pick the best team we possibly can to get the results" – but England's ongoing run of nine victories in a row has strengthened his belief that international rugby is more of a 23-man effort.

"I think each player recognizes this is a collective endeavor. All the individuals in camp helping the team get ready each contribute. This type of unselfish attitude hasn't always existed present with England team. That was not my experience during my time as a player."

Delicate Judgments

Some delicate choices have had to be made, even so, with the absence of certain individuals. Borthwick additionally notes he feels "blessed for choice" in key positions, and this time, the decision Northampton's Fin Smith that misses out entirely. Considering the damp weather forecast, choosing of George Ford in the pivotal role is hardly a huge shock, while the security the All Blacks' back three under kicks will likely face examined frequently.

Experience and Flexibility

Then, comes the added importance of seasoned players together with necessity for a bench option that is able to slot into the back three, especially as a key player not yet completely ready. "I could have picked any of the available fly-halves and be sat now saying why they're the right player because I think each one is excellent," he said. "He is a composed presence but also has the ability to unite the team together and [put] them on to the front foot. It's what I'll be expecting from him to deliver on Saturday."

Closing Thoughts

Can it all be enough? The team lost in all meetings against New Zealand last year by a total margin of just a small amount, and regarding taking opportunities, Scott Robertson's side are highly effective as any. In that scenario, it's likely a strong possibility of a close contest which potentially come down to the last stages. That's exactly what the England setup are anticipating.