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Selecting your best lineup for a important match contest seems more and more quaint nowadays, bringing back thoughts of different times such as classic TV shows. So much so where you could nearly expect finding this England lineup to face New Zealand this weekend displayed in a reversed order. Even with New Zealand in town, this traditional method of picking the team no longer applies.

Emphasis on the Final Stages

Instead, the focus is centered on the match finishes. This time, Steve Borthwick has chosen six experienced players for the substitutes compared to only four in the starting lineup. Around during the 50-minute point this weekend, there will be a mass change with new talent entering play. As the Springboks' famous "Bomb Squad" have demonstrated, this approach is extremely difficult for opponents.

Possible Challenge

But, comes one small issue. While facing the world's top-tier sides, it's crucial to start strongly too. Waiting for the introduction of star substitutes like Ellis Genge or teammates could seem not so smart should New Zealand take a significant advantage by halftime, as they did against Scotland last week.

Yet that's the modern way in rugby. Furthermore few are more expert about the subject than the England coach, who spent several matches as an unused bench in his playing days.

Historical Examples

Including these occasions, he recalled this week, was a notable Test versus the All Blacks abroad during 2003, where England's forwards was cut to six because of disciplinary issues. At that time, he and other reserves stayed unused throughout the match.

On the other hand, during a match in Italy the previous year, the then-coach brought on multiple England captains after the hour mark, strategy famously described like "an exceptionally strong bench since."

Today's Plan

This team's bench choices nearly matches those in terms of "Big Dog" vibes, with England clearly aiming to overtake the opposition during the last quarter. "Every match we have faced against them has been close late," Borthwick said. "Therefore we need suitable players available to close out strongly... utilizing that level of experience on the bench is also a key advantage for us."

Spectator Considerations

There will be those paying high prices on tickets this weekend questioning if reduced pricing could be offered since matches currently effectively depend on just the final minutes rather than the full match. Seriously, though, exists a further quietly compelling reason: which is Borthwick's trust toward younger talents such as Joe Heyes has becoming sufficiently strong so that England's "best" first team may not be precisely as many supporters would think.

Selection Choices

Whether that makes him as "an adventurous selector" is not something he's inclined to discuss – "I don't go for labels... I aim and pick the strongest squad we possibly can to get success" – but England's ongoing run with nine victories consecutively has reinforced the view how Test the sport has become increasingly a 23-man game.

"In my view each member understands that it's a collective effort. The 36 players here assisting us prepare all contribute. That kind of unselfish mindset has not necessarily existed present in an England team. That was not my experience when I was playing."

Tough Decisions

Several delicate judgments are having to be made, however, with injuries of certain players. The coach also says he feels "blessed with options" at fly-half, so on this occasion, the decision Northampton's Fin Smith who misses out completely. Given wet conditions expected, choosing an experienced player at No 10 is hardly a major shock, while ability of New Zealand's defense under high balls will likely to be examined often.

Know-How and Versatility

Then, comes the extra importance of experience and the need to have substitute player who is able to fill in the back three, especially as a key player still fully ready. "It was possible to picked any of the three fly-halves then explain now saying about how each is the right player because I think they're all excellent," Borthwick said. "He is a composed presence but also possesses the ability to bring the team together and [put] the team onto the front foot. That's exactly what looking for from him to do on Saturday."

Final Outlook

Will it prove sufficient? England were defeated in all meetings against the All Blacks last year with a combined margin only a small amount, and in terms of converting chances, Scott Robertson's side remain highly effective ever. Given this event, it's likely a strong possibility of an intense battle which potentially come down to the final 20 minutes. That's exactly what this setup is anticipating.