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Choosing your top starting XV for a big match contest feels increasingly quaint these days, bringing back memories of bygone days like classic TV shows. To the point that one might nearly expect finding this England selection against New Zealand this weekend printed in a reversed sequence. Despite the All Blacks in town, the traditional way of picking the team no longer applies.

Emphasis on the Endgame

Rather, the focus is centered on the match concludes. This time, Steve Borthwick opted to selected six British & Irish Lions on the substitutes compared to just four among the first XV. Around the 50-minute mark on Saturday, there will be an extensive substitution with new talent entering the field. As the Springboks' renowned "impact substitutes" have shown, this tactic can be extremely difficult for opponents.

Potential Pitfall

But, there is one minor snag. While facing one of the globe's top-tier teams, it's essential to start well as well. Waiting for the arrival of star replacements like Ellis Genge or others could appear not so smart if the All Blacks build a large lead early on, as they did versus the Scots last week.

But this is today's way for you. Furthermore not many are more knowledgeable on this topic than Borthwick, as he spent multiple games as an unused bench in his playing days.

Historical Context

Including those matches, he recalled this week, is the famous match versus the All Blacks abroad during 2003, where the pack were reduced down due to disciplinary issues. Even then, he along with other substitutes stayed unused throughout the match.

Conversely, during a match in Italy earlier, Clive Woodward introduced four experienced leaders around the hour mark, a move famously described as "an exceptionally strong substitutes ever."

Today's Plan

The current team's substitute choices nearly rivals those in terms of "Big Dog" energy, as England obviously aiming to catch the opposition in the last 20 minutes. "Every game we've faced against New Zealand has been close toward the end," Borthwick said. "Therefore we need suitable personnel on to finish strongly... having that level of experience on the bench is a key asset for the team."

Fan Considerations

There will be those spending premium rates on tickets at the stadium questioning whether reduced pricing could be available if matches currently effectively hinge around just 20-odd stages instead of the full match. Seriously, however, exists a further subtly persuasive explanation: which is Borthwick's confidence toward emerging talents such as Fin Baxter is becoming sufficiently deep that England's "best" first team is not exactly what many supporters might think.

Picking Choices

Whether that qualifies Borthwick as "a bold selector" is a topic he is minded to discuss – "I'm not go for labels... I aim and pick the best squad possible to get the results" – but the team's current run of nine Test wins consecutively has reinforced his belief that Test the sport is increasingly a 23-man game.

"In my view every player recognizes that it's a team effort. The 36 players here helping the team prepare each contribute. That kind of selfless mindset hasn't necessarily been present with past squads. That was not my experience during my time as playing."

Tough Judgments

Some delicate judgments are having to occur, however, due to the absence of certain individuals. The coach additionally says he feels "blessed with options" at fly-half, and this time, the decision one club's young talent that misses out completely. Considering wet conditions expected, the selection an experienced player in the pivotal role is hardly a huge shock, while ability the All Blacks' defense under kicks is sure to be examined frequently.

Know-How and Versatility

Then, comes the extra importance of seasoned players together with the need to have substitute player who can fill in the back three, especially as another player not yet completely fit. "I could have select either of the three playmakers then be sat now talking why they're the right player since I believe they're all excellent," he commented. "He is a very calm leader but also has the ability to bring the team as one driving them onto the front foot. That's exactly what expecting from him to do on Saturday."

Closing Outlook

Can it all be sufficient? England were defeated three times by New Zealand previously by a total difference of just 10 points, while regarding taking opportunities, Scott Robertson's side are highly effective as any. Given this scenario, it's likely a strong possibility of an intense contest which could come down to the final stages. Which is clearly what the England approach is anticipating.