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Picking the top starting XV for a major match game feels more and more old-fashioned today, bringing back memories of bygone days like vintage television. So much so that you might nearly expect finding this home team lineup against New Zealand on Saturday displayed in a jumbled sequence. Despite the All Blacks in town, the conventional method for choosing the team no longer hold true.

Focus on the Endgame

Rather, the focus is all about how the match ends. On this occasion, the coach opted to chosen six British & Irish Lions on the bench versus just a few among the first XV. Around during the second half point on Saturday, expect a mass change with fresh talent joining the field. Similar to the Springboks' famous "Bomb Squad" has shown, this tactic can be extremely difficult to counter.

Possible Challenge

However, there is one small snag. When facing the world's second-best sides, it's crucial to begin well as well. Holding out until the introduction from star substitutes such as Tom Curry or others might seem not so brilliant if New Zealand build a large lead early on, as they did against Scotland last week.

Yet that's the modern way for you. Furthermore few know more knowledgeable on this topic than Borthwick, who spent multiple matches as an unused bench during his playing days.

Past Context

Including these matches, Borthwick mentioned this week, was a notable Test versus the All Blacks in Wellington back in 2003, when the forwards was cut to six because of yellow cards. Even then, Borthwick along with fellow substitutes stayed unused throughout the match.

On the other hand, during a match in Italy earlier, the then-coach introduced multiple experienced leaders around 56 minutes, a move famously described like "the most illustrious substitutes since."

Today's Plan

The current England bench selection nearly rivals those in terms of "impact player" vibes, as England obviously hoping to catch New Zealand during the final 20 minutes. "Every match we have played against them has gone late," Borthwick stated. "So we need suitable personnel on to finish strongly... utilizing that level of know-how among substitutes is also a key asset for the team."

Spectator Considerations

There will be those spending high rates on tickets this weekend questioning whether reduced pricing might be offered if matches currently largely depend around just 20-odd stages instead of the entire 80 minutes. Joking aside, however, exists a further quietly compelling explanation: which is the coach's confidence in younger talents such as Fin Baxter is becoming sufficiently strong so that England's "best" first lineup is not exactly what many fans would assume.

Picking Choices

Whether this qualifies him as "a bold selector" remains not something he's is minded to discuss – "I'm not into labels... I try and pick the best team we possibly can for the results" – yet the team's ongoing run of nine Test wins in a row has reinforced the view that international rugby is more of an entire squad effort.

"In my view every player recognizes this is a team effort. The 36 players in camp helping the team get ready all play a part. This type of unselfish attitude has not always existed present with past squads. It was different when I was a player."

Delicate Judgments

Several difficult choices are having to occur, however, due to injuries of key players. Borthwick also says he feels "spoilt with options" at fly-half, and this time, it is one club's Fin Smith who misses out entirely. Given wet conditions expected, choosing an experienced player at No 10 is not a major surprise, and the security of New Zealand's defense under high balls will likely face examined frequently.

Experience and Flexibility

Then, comes the extra importance of seasoned players together with necessity to have substitute player who is able to slot into the back three, especially as another player still fully ready. "It was possible to picked any of the available fly-halves and explain here talking why they're the best player since I think they're all terrific," Borthwick commented. "George is a composed presence and possesses the skill to bring the team together driving them onto the front foot. That's exactly what expecting him to deliver this weekend."

Closing Outlook

Will it all be sufficient? The team lost three times by New Zealand previously with a combined margin only a small amount, and in terms of taking opportunities, the opposition remain as sharp ever. In that scenario, it's likely a strong possibility of a close contest which potentially come down to the final stages. That's clearly what the England setup are expecting.