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Choosing the strongest lineup for a major rugby game seems more and more outdated today, bringing back thoughts of past eras like classic TV shows. To the point that one might nearly expect finding this home team lineup to face the All Blacks this weekend printed with a reversed sequence. Despite the All Blacks visiting, the conventional way for picking the team doesn't applies.

Emphasis on the Final Stages

Instead, the focus is all about the game concludes. This time, the coach opted to selected multiple British & Irish Lions for the substitutes compared to only four in the starting lineup. Around during the second half mark on Saturday, expect an extensive substitution involving new players entering play. As the Springboks' famous "impact substitutes" have demonstrated, such a tactic can be very difficult to counter.

Potential Challenge

But, there is a minor issue. When playing one of the globe's top-tier sides, it is crucial to start well too. Holding out for the arrival from star substitutes such as Tom Curry and teammates could appear not so smart if the All Blacks build a significant lead early on, like versus Scotland last week.

Yet this is the modern approach for you. And few know more expert about this topic compared to Borthwick, who sat out several games on the bench during his playing days.

Past Examples

Including those occasions, he mentioned this week, was the famous match against the All Blacks abroad during 2003, where England's pack was cut down because of yellow cards. At that time, he and fellow substitutes remained unused throughout the match.

Conversely, during a match in Italy earlier, Clive Woodward brought on four England captains around the hour mark, a move memorably described as "the most illustrious substitutes ever."

Today's Plan

The current team's substitute choices almost matches those for "impact player" vibes, as England clearly aiming to overtake the opposition in the final quarter. "Every match we have faced against them has been close late," the coach said. "Therefore we need the right players available to close out strongly... having that level of know-how among substitutes is also a key asset for us."

Fan Perspective

There will be fans paying high rates on seats at the stadium wondering whether reduced pricing might be offered if matches now largely depend around just the final stages rather than the entire match. Joking aside, however, exists a further quietly compelling reason: that Borthwick's confidence toward younger talents like Joe Heyes has grown so deep that England's "strongest" first lineup is not precisely what many fans would think.

Selection Choices

If that makes him as "a bold coach" is a topic he is minded to discuss – "I don't go for tags... I aim to select the best team we possibly can to get success" – yet England's current run with nine Test wins consecutively has reinforced his belief how international the sport has become more of a 23-man effort.

"I think each player understands that it's a collective effort. The 36 players here helping the team prepare all play a part. That kind of selfless mindset has not always existed present in an England team. That was not my experience when I was playing."

Tough Decisions

Some delicate choices have had to occur, even so, due to injuries of key individuals. Borthwick also notes that "blessed for choice" in key positions, and on this occasion, the decision Northampton's Fin Smith that misses out entirely. Given the damp weather forecast, the selection of George Ford in the pivotal role is hardly a huge surprise, and ability of New Zealand's defense against high balls is sure face examined frequently.

Experience and Flexibility

Then, comes the extra importance of seasoned players and necessity to have substitute option that is able to slot into the back three, particularly with a key individual still completely ready. "It was possible to select either of the available fly-halves and be sat here talking why each is the best choice since I think each one is excellent," he commented. "He is a very calm presence and possesses the ability to unite the team as one and [put] them on to the front foot. That's exactly what looking for from him to do on Saturday."

Closing Outlook

Can it all be enough? England lost in all meetings against the All Blacks last year with a combined difference only a small amount, while regarding converting opportunities, Scott Robertson's side remain as sharp as any. In that event, there must be every chance of a close contest which could boil down to the last stages. Which is exactly what this setup are anticipating.