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Choosing your best lineup for a big rugby game appears increasingly outdated nowadays, evoking thoughts of bygone days like classic TV shows. To the point that one could almost anticipate to see this home team lineup against the All Blacks on Saturday printed in a reversed order. Even with the All Blacks in town, this traditional way for choosing the team doesn't applies.

Emphasis on the Endgame

Instead, it's centered on the game concludes. On this occasion, Steve Borthwick has chosen six experienced players for the substitutes versus only a few in the starting lineup. At some point during the 50-minute point on Saturday, there will be a mass substitution with fresh talent entering the field. As the Springboks' famous "impact substitutes" have shown, such a tactic can be very tough for opponents.

Potential Pitfall

But, comes one small snag. When playing one of the globe's top-tier sides, it's essential to begin strongly too. Waiting for the arrival of key substitutes like Ellis Genge or others could seem less smart should the All Blacks take a large advantage by halftime, as they did versus the Scots last week.

But that's the modern way for you. Furthermore few know more expert about this topic compared to the England coach, as he spent several games as an unused bench in his career.

Historical Context

Among these matches, Borthwick recalled this week, was a notable Test against the All Blacks abroad during 2003, where the pack was cut down because of yellow cards. At that time, Borthwick and other reserves stayed unused throughout the 80 minutes.

Conversely, during a match in Italy earlier, Clive Woodward introduced multiple England captains around the hour mark, strategy famously described as "the most illustrious substitutes since."

Today's Strategy

The current team's substitute selection almost rivals that in terms of "Big Dog" energy, with England clearly aiming to catch New Zealand in the final 20 minutes. "Every match we've played against New Zealand has been close late," Borthwick said. "So we need suitable players available to finish the game... utilizing such a degree of know-how among substitutes is an important asset for us."

Fan Considerations

There will be fans paying high prices for tickets this weekend wondering if reduced pricing could be available if games currently largely depend on just the final stages rather than the entire 80 minutes. Seriously, though, there is a further quietly compelling explanation: that Borthwick's trust toward emerging talents such as Joe Heyes is becoming sufficiently deep that England's "strongest" starting team may not be precisely as many fans would assume.

Picking Decisions

If this qualifies Borthwick as "a bold selector" is not something he's is minded to discuss – "I'm not go for labels... I try to select the best squad possible for the results" – but the team's current run of nine victories consecutively has reinforced the view that Test the sport has become more of an entire squad effort.

"I think each member understands that it's a collective effort. All the individuals here helping the team prepare each contribute. This type of unselfish mindset has not always existed present in an past squads. It was different when I was playing."

Delicate Judgments

Several delicate choices have had to be made, even so, due to injuries of key players. The coach additionally says that "spoilt for choice" in key positions, and this time, it is one club's Fin Smith who is omitted entirely. Given wet conditions expected, choosing of George Ford in the pivotal role is not a huge shock, and ability of New Zealand's defense against kicks will likely to be tested often.

Know-How plus Flexibility

Then, there is the added value of experience and necessity to have a bench option who is able to slot into other positions, especially as a key player still fully fit. "I could have picked any of the three fly-halves then explain here saying why they're the right choice since I believe they're all excellent," he commented. "He is a very calm leader and possesses the ability to bring the team together driving them onto attack. It's exactly what looking for from him to do on Saturday."

Final Outlook

Will it all be enough? The team were defeated three times against the All Blacks previously by a total difference only a small amount, and in terms of converting opportunities, the opposition remain as sharp ever. Given this event, there must be every chance of an intense contest which could boil down to the last 20 minutes. Which is exactly what the England setup is expecting.