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Selecting your best lineup for a big rugby game appears increasingly outdated these days, evoking thoughts of bygone days like classic TV shows. So much so that you might nearly expect to see this home team lineup to face the All Blacks this weekend displayed with a reversed sequence. Even with the All Blacks in town, this traditional way for choosing players doesn't hold true.

Focus on the Final Stages

Instead, it's all about how the game finishes. On this occasion, the coach has selected six British & Irish Lions for the bench compared to only a few in the starting lineup. Around the 50-minute point this weekend, expect an extensive substitution involving new talent joining play. As South Africa's famous "impact substitutes" have shown, this tactic can be extremely difficult to counter.

Possible Pitfall

But, comes a minor snag. While playing the world's top-tier sides, it is vital to begin well as well. Waiting for the introduction of star replacements like Ellis Genge and teammates could appear not so brilliant should New Zealand take a large advantage by halftime, as they did against Scotland last week.

But this is the modern way for you. And not many know more expert about this topic than the England coach, who spent several matches on the bench in his career.

Historical Examples

Including those matches, he recalled this week, is the famous match versus the All Blacks in Wellington during 2003, where England's forwards was reduced to six because of disciplinary issues. Even then, he along with other substitutes remained unused for the entire 80 minutes.

Conversely, during a match in Italy earlier, the then-coach brought on multiple experienced leaders after the hour mark, strategy famously referred to as "the most illustrious substitutes since."

Current Strategy

This England substitute choices almost matches those for "Big Dog" energy, as England clearly aiming to catch the opposition during the last 20 minutes. "Every game we have played against New Zealand has been close late," Borthwick stated. "So it's crucial suitable personnel on to finish the game... utilizing that level of experience on the bench is an important advantage for the team."

Fan Perspective

Some fans paying high rates for tickets this weekend wondering if a discount could be available since matches now largely hinge around just the final stages rather than the entire match. Seriously, however, exists a further quietly persuasive explanation: that the coach's confidence in emerging talents like Fin Baxter is grown sufficiently strong so that the "best" first team is not precisely what casual supporters would assume.

Selection Choices

If this qualifies him as "a bold coach" is a topic he is minded to talk about – "I'm not go for labels... I aim to select the best squad possible for the results" – but the team's current streak with nine Test wins consecutively has strengthened his belief that Test rugby has become more of an entire squad game.

"In my view each player understands that it's a collective endeavor. The 36 individuals in camp assisting us get ready all contribute. That kind of selfless attitude has not always existed the case with England team. That was not my experience when I was playing."

Tough Decisions

Several difficult choices have had to be made, even so, due to injuries of certain players. Borthwick also says that "spoilt for choice" in key positions, and on this occasion, it is Northampton's Fin Smith that is omitted completely. Given wet conditions expected, the selection of George Ford in the pivotal role is not a huge surprise, and ability of New Zealand's defense under high balls is sure to be examined often.

Know-How plus Flexibility

Additionally, there is the extra importance of experience and necessity to have a bench player that is able to slot into other positions, especially with a key player still completely fit. "It was possible to picked either of the three fly-halves and be sat now talking about how they're the best player since I believe each one is excellent," he said. "George is a very calm presence but also possesses the ability to unite the team as one driving them on to the front foot. That's exactly what expecting him to do this weekend."

Final Thoughts

Will it prove sufficient? The team lost three times by New Zealand previously with a combined difference of just 10 points, while regarding converting opportunities, Scott Robertson's side are as sharp ever. Given this event, there must be a strong possibility of a close battle which could come down to the last stages. Which is clearly what the England setup are anticipating.