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Picking the top lineup in a big match game seems increasingly old-fashioned these days, bringing back memories of past eras such as classic TV shows. So much so where you could nearly expect finding the home team lineup to face New Zealand this weekend displayed with a reversed order. Even with the All Blacks in town, the traditional way for picking the team no longer applies.

Focus on the Final Stages

Instead, the focus is centered on the match ends. This time, the coach has selected six British & Irish Lions on the bench versus only four among the first XV. At some point the 50-minute point this weekend, there will be a mass change involving new talent entering play. As the Springboks' famous "Bomb Squad" have shown, such a approach can be very difficult to counter.

Possible Challenge

However, comes one minor snag. While facing one of the globe's second-best sides, it is essential to start well as well. Holding out until the arrival from key replacements like Tom Curry and teammates could appear less smart should New Zealand build a significant advantage by halftime, like against Scotland at Murrayfield.

Yet that's the modern way in rugby. And not many know more expert about the subject than the England coach, as he spent multiple games as an unused substitute in his career.

Past Examples

Among those occasions, he mentioned this week, was a notable match against New Zealand abroad during 2003, when England's pack was cut down due to disciplinary issues. Even then, he and other reserves stayed unused for the entire match.

On the other hand, during a match in Italy earlier, Clive Woodward brought on four experienced leaders after the hour mark, strategy famously referred to as "the most illustrious bench ever."

Current Strategy

The current team's bench selection almost matches those for "impact player" energy, with England clearly hoping to catch the opposition in the final 20 minutes. "Every match we've faced against them has been close late," Borthwick stated. "So we need suitable personnel on to finish the game... utilizing that level of know-how on the bench is an important asset for the team."

Spectator Perspective

There will be fans spending high prices on seats at the stadium questioning whether reduced pricing could be offered if matches currently largely depend around only 20-odd stages instead of the entire 80 minutes. Seriously, however, there is another subtly persuasive reason: which is the coach's confidence toward younger talents such as Joe Heyes has grown sufficiently strong so that England's "best" first lineup may not be exactly as casual fans might think.

Selection Choices

If that makes Borthwick as "an adventurous selector" remains a topic he's inclined to discuss – "I'm not go for labels... I try and pick the strongest team possible to get success" – yet England's current streak with nine victories consecutively has strengthened the view how Test rugby is more of a 23-man game.

"In my view each member understands that it's a team endeavor. The 36 individuals in camp helping the team get ready each contribute. This type of unselfish attitude hasn't always been the case with England team. It was different during my time as a player."

Tough Decisions

Several difficult judgments are having to occur, even so, due to the absence of certain players. Borthwick additionally notes that "spoilt for choice" at fly-half, and on this occasion, it is one club's young talent that misses out entirely. Given wet weather forecast, choosing of George Ford in the pivotal role is hardly a major surprise, and the security the All Blacks' defense against high balls is sure to be tested frequently.

Experience and Flexibility

Additionally, there is the extra value of seasoned players and necessity for a bench player that can fill in the back three, especially with a key individual not yet fully fit. "I could have picked any of the three playmakers and be sat now saying about how they're the right choice since I believe each one is terrific," he said. "George is a composed leader but also has the ability to unite everyone as one driving the team onto attack. It's what I'll be looking for him to do this weekend."

Final Outlook

Can it all be sufficient? The team lost three times by New Zealand last year by a total difference of just 10 points, while regarding taking chances, Scott Robertson's side remain highly effective ever. Given this scenario, it's likely a strong possibility of an intense contest that could boil down to the final stages. Which is clearly what this setup are anticipating.