🔗 Share this article

Choosing your best lineup in a major match game feels more and more old-fashioned these days, evoking thoughts of past eras like classic TV shows. To the point that you might almost expect to see the home team lineup against the All Blacks this weekend printed in a jumbled sequence. Despite the All Blacks visiting, the traditional way for choosing the team doesn't applies.

Focus on the Final Stages

Instead, the focus is centered on how the game ends. On this occasion, Steve Borthwick has selected multiple British & Irish Lions on the bench compared to only a few in the starting lineup. Around during the second half point on Saturday, expect a mass substitution involving fresh players joining the field. Similar to the Springboks' renowned "Bomb Squad" has shown, this tactic can be very tough for opponents.

Potential Challenge

However, there is one minor issue. When facing one of the globe's second-best teams, it is vital to begin strongly too. Holding out until the arrival from key replacements like Ellis Genge or others could appear not so brilliant should New Zealand take a large lead early on, as they did against Scotland at Murrayfield.

Yet this is today's way for you. Furthermore not many know more knowledgeable about the subject compared to the England coach, as he spent multiple matches on the bench during his playing days.

Past Context

Including those occasions, Borthwick recalled this week, was the famous Test versus the All Blacks abroad during 2003, where England's pack were reduced down due to disciplinary issues. Even then, Borthwick and fellow reserves stayed on the sidelines throughout the match.

On the other hand, during a match in Italy earlier, Clive Woodward introduced four experienced leaders around 56 minutes, strategy famously described as "the most illustrious substitutes ever."

Current Plan

The current England bench choices almost rivals that for "impact player" vibes, as England obviously aiming to overtake New Zealand during the last 20 minutes. "Every game we've played against them has been close toward the end," Borthwick said. "So we need suitable personnel on to finish strongly... having that level of experience on the bench is also a key asset for us."

Spectator Considerations

Some those spending high prices for tickets at the stadium wondering if a discount could be available if matches currently effectively hinge on just the final stages rather than the entire match. Seriously, however, there is a further quietly compelling reason: which is the coach's confidence toward emerging talents such as Fin Baxter is becoming so deep that the "strongest" starting team is not precisely what many fans might assume.

Picking Decisions

Whether that qualifies him to be "a bold selector" is not something he's inclined to discuss – "I'm not go for tags... I try to select the best squad possible to get the results" – but the team's current streak of nine victories consecutively has strengthened his belief that Test the sport has become increasingly a 23-man game.

"In my view each member recognizes this is a team effort. All the individuals in camp helping the team get ready all play a part. That kind of unselfish attitude hasn't necessarily existed present in an England team. That was not my experience during my time as playing."

Tough Decisions

Some delicate choices are having to occur, however, with the absence of key individuals. The coach also says that "blessed with options" in key positions, so this time, it is one club's Fin Smith who misses out completely. Given the damp weather forecast, choosing an experienced player in the pivotal role is not a huge surprise, and the security of New Zealand's defense against kicks will likely face tested often.

Know-How plus Versatility

Additionally, comes the extra value of experience and the need to have a bench option that can fill in the back three, particularly with another individual still fully fit. "I could have picked either of the available fly-halves and explain here talking why they're the right player since I believe they're all terrific," Borthwick said. "George is a composed leader but also has the ability to unite everyone as one driving the team onto attack. It's what I'll be looking for him to deliver on Saturday."

Final Outlook

Can it all be enough? England were defeated in all meetings against New Zealand last year with a combined margin of just a small amount, while in terms of converting chances, the opposition remain as sharp ever. Given this scenario, there must be a strong possibility of a close contest which potentially come down to the last stages. That's exactly what the England approach is expecting.