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Selecting your best lineup for a big rugby contest seems more and more old-fashioned these days, evoking memories of past eras like vintage television. To the point where you could almost expect finding the home team lineup against New Zealand on Saturday printed with a jumbled order. Despite New Zealand visiting, this traditional way of choosing the team no longer applies.

Focus on the Final Stages

Instead, the focus is centered on how the game concludes. On this occasion, Steve Borthwick opted to selected six British & Irish Lions on the bench compared to just a few in the starting lineup. At some point the 50-minute mark on Saturday, there will be an extensive substitution with fresh talent joining the field. As the Springboks' renowned "Bomb Squad" have shown, such a tactic is very difficult for opponents.

Possible Pitfall

However, there is a small issue. When playing one of the globe's top-tier teams, it's vital to start strongly too. Holding out until the introduction of star substitutes such as Tom Curry and others might appear less brilliant if the All Blacks take a large lead early on, like against Scotland last week.

Yet this is today's way for you. Furthermore not many are more knowledgeable on the subject than Borthwick, as he sat out multiple matches on the bench during his playing days.

Historical Examples

Among these occasions, Borthwick recalled this week, is the famous Test against the All Blacks in Wellington during 2003, when England's forwards was cut down due to disciplinary issues. At that time, Borthwick and fellow reserves remained unused throughout the 80 minutes.

On the other hand, in Rome the previous year, Clive Woodward introduced multiple England captains after 56 minutes, strategy famously described like "the most illustrious bench since."

Current Plan

The current England substitute choices almost rivals that for "impact player" vibes, as the team obviously aiming to overtake New Zealand during the last quarter. "Each match we have played against New Zealand has gone late," the coach stated. "So we need the right personnel available to finish strongly... utilizing such a degree of experience among substitutes is an important asset for us."

Fan Considerations

There will be fans paying high rates for seats this weekend questioning whether a discount might be offered since matches currently largely hinge around just 20-odd minutes rather than the entire match. Joking aside, though, exists a further quietly compelling explanation: that Borthwick's confidence toward emerging players like Fin Baxter has grown so deep that England's "best" first lineup is not exactly as many fans might think.

Selection Choices

Whether this makes him as "an adventurous selector" is not something he's inclined to talk about – "I'm not go for labels... I try and pick the best squad possible for success" – yet the team's ongoing streak of nine victories in a row has reinforced the view that international the sport has become more of an entire squad game.

"In my view each member understands that it's a team effort. The 36 players here assisting the team prepare all play a part. That kind of unselfish mindset has not always existed present in an England team. It was not my experience when I was a player."

Delicate Judgments

Some delicate judgments are having to be made, even so, with injuries of key players. Borthwick also notes he feels "spoilt for choice" in key positions, so this time, it is Northampton's Fin Smith that is omitted completely. Considering the damp conditions expected, choosing of George Ford in the pivotal role is not a major surprise, while ability the All Blacks' back three against high balls is sure face tested frequently.

Experience and Versatility

Then, there is the extra value of experience and the need for substitute player that is able to fill in the back three, especially as another individual still fully ready. "It was possible to select either of the three playmakers and explain now saying about how each is the best player because I believe they're all excellent," he commented. "He is a very calm leader but also has the ability to bring the team together driving them onto the front foot. It's exactly what looking for him to deliver this weekend."

Closing Thoughts

Will it prove enough? The team were defeated three times by New Zealand last year by a total difference of just 10 points, and in terms of converting opportunities, the opposition remain as sharp as any. Given this scenario, it's likely a strong possibility of an intense battle that could come down to the last 20 minutes. Which is clearly what this setup is anticipating.