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Picking the best lineup for a major match contest appears increasingly outdated these days, bringing back memories of past eras like classic TV shows. So much so where you could nearly anticipate to see the home team lineup to face New Zealand this weekend displayed with a reversed sequence. Even with the All Blacks in town, this traditional way for choosing the team doesn't hold true.

Focus on the Endgame

Rather, the focus is centered on the game ends. This time, the coach has chosen six British & Irish Lions for the substitutes compared to only a few in the first XV. Around the 50-minute point on Saturday, there will be an extensive change with fresh talent entering play. As the Springboks' famous "Bomb Squad" have shown, such a approach is very difficult to counter.

Potential Pitfall

But, there is one minor snag. When facing the world's top-tier teams, it's essential to begin well as well. Waiting for the arrival of star substitutes such as Ellis Genge and others might seem not so smart should the All Blacks take a significant advantage early on, as they did against Scotland last week.

But that's the modern approach for you. And few know more knowledgeable on this topic compared to Borthwick, who spent several games as an unused substitute in his playing days.

Past Examples

Among those occasions, he recalled this week, was the famous match versus the All Blacks in Wellington back in 2003, where England's pack were reduced to six due to disciplinary issues. At that time, he along with other reserves remained on the sidelines throughout the 80 minutes.

Conversely, during a match in Italy the previous year, Clive Woodward brought on four England captains after the hour mark, a move memorably described like "an exceptionally strong substitutes ever."

Current Plan

This team's substitute choices almost matches that for "Big Dog" vibes, with England obviously aiming to overtake the opposition during the final 20 minutes. "Every match we've played against them has been close toward the end," the coach said. "So it's crucial the right players on to close out the game... having that level of experience on the bench is also a key asset for us."

Spectator Perspective

Some those paying premium prices for tickets at the stadium wondering whether reduced pricing might be available if matches now largely hinge around only the final stages instead of the full match. Seriously, however, there is a further subtly compelling reason: that Borthwick's trust toward emerging talents such as Fin Baxter has grown so strong that the "strongest" starting lineup is not precisely as casual supporters might think.

Selection Decisions

Whether this qualifies Borthwick to be "an adventurous selector" remains a topic he's is minded to talk about – "I'm not into tags... I aim to select the strongest squad possible for the results" – yet England's current run with nine victories consecutively has reinforced the view that Test the sport is more of a 23-man effort.

"In my view every member understands that it's a collective endeavor. All the players here assisting us prepare all contribute. That kind of unselfish mindset has not necessarily existed the case in an England team. That was not my experience when I was playing."

Delicate Judgments

Some difficult judgments are having to be made, even so, with injuries of key players. The coach also says that "spoilt for choice" at fly-half, and on this occasion, it is one club's young talent who misses out entirely. Considering wet conditions expected, choosing of George Ford at No 10 is not a huge surprise, and the security of New Zealand's back three under kicks is sure to be tested often.

Experience and Versatility

Additionally, there is the extra value of experience together with necessity to have a bench player that can fill in the back three, particularly as a key player not yet fully fit. "I could have picked either of the available fly-halves and be sat now saying about how each is the right choice because I think each one is terrific," he commented. "He provides composed presence and has the skill to bring everyone together and [put] the team onto the front foot. It's what I'll be looking for from him to deliver on Saturday."

Closing Outlook

Can it all be enough? The team were defeated in all meetings by New Zealand previously with a combined difference only 10 points, and in terms of converting opportunities, the opposition are highly effective as any. In that event, there must be a strong possibility of an intense contest which potentially come down to the final 20 minutes. Which is exactly what this setup are anticipating.