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Picking your best lineup in a major match contest seems increasingly old-fashioned these days, bringing back memories of past eras like vintage television. To the point that one might nearly expect finding the England selection against the All Blacks on Saturday displayed in a jumbled sequence. Even with the All Blacks in town, this conventional method of picking players no longer hold true.

Focus on the Endgame

Rather, it's centered on how the match ends. This time, the coach has selected multiple experienced players on the bench compared to only four in the first XV. Around the 50-minute mark on Saturday, expect a mass substitution with fresh talent joining play. Similar to the Springboks' famous "impact substitutes" have demonstrated, this approach is very difficult to counter.

Possible Pitfall

But, there is one small issue. When facing the world's second-best teams, it is vital to begin well too. Holding out for the arrival of star substitutes like Tom Curry and teammates could seem less smart should the All Blacks take a large advantage early on, as they did versus Scotland last week.

Yet that's the modern way in rugby. Furthermore few are more knowledgeable on the subject compared to Borthwick, as he spent multiple matches on the substitute in his playing days.

Past Context

Including those matches, he recalled this week, was the famous match versus New Zealand abroad during 2003, where the pack was reduced down because of yellow cards. Even then, he and fellow substitutes stayed unused throughout the match.

Conversely, in Rome the previous year, the then-coach introduced multiple England captains after 56 minutes, a move memorably described as "an exceptionally strong substitutes since."

Today's Strategy

This team's bench selection nearly rivals that for "impact player" vibes, with England clearly hoping to overtake New Zealand in the last 20 minutes. "Every match we have played versus New Zealand has been close late," Borthwick stated. "So it's crucial the right players on to finish strongly... utilizing that level of experience among substitutes is a key asset for us."

Spectator Considerations

There will be those spending high prices for seats at the stadium questioning if reduced pricing could be available if games currently largely depend on just the final stages instead of the full match. Joking aside, however, there is a further quietly persuasive reason: which is the coach's confidence toward emerging players such as Fin Baxter is grown sufficiently deep that England's "best" first lineup may not be exactly what many fans would think.

Picking Decisions

Whether that makes him to be "an adventurous coach" remains a topic he inclined to discuss – "I'm not into tags... I try to select the best squad we possibly can for the results" – yet the team's current streak with nine Test wins in a row has strengthened his belief how international rugby has become increasingly a 23-man game.

"I think each player understands this is a collective effort. The 36 individuals in camp helping the team get ready each contribute. That kind of selfless mindset has not necessarily been the case in an past squads. That was different when I was a player."

Delicate Judgments

Some delicate judgments have had to be made, however, due to the absence of key players. Borthwick additionally notes that "spoilt with options" in key positions, and this time, the decision Northampton's Fin Smith who is omitted entirely. Considering wet weather forecast, choosing an experienced player in the pivotal role is hardly a huge surprise, and ability the All Blacks' defense under high balls will likely to be tested often.

Know-How and Flexibility

Then, there is the added importance of seasoned players and the need to have substitute player that is able to fill in other positions, especially with another individual still completely fit. "I could have select either of the available playmakers and be sat now saying why each is the right choice since I believe each one is excellent," he said. "He provides composed leader but also has the skill to bring the team together and [put] the team on to attack. That's what I'll be expecting from him to do on Saturday."

Closing Outlook

Will it all be enough? England lost in all meetings by the All Blacks previously with a combined margin of just 10 points, while regarding taking chances, the opposition are as sharp ever. In that scenario, there must be a strong possibility of an intense contest that could boil down to the last stages. That's clearly what this setup are expecting.