🔗 Share this article

Picking the best starting XV for a major rugby contest seems more and more quaint today, evoking memories of bygone days like classic TV shows. So much so that one could almost anticipate to see the England lineup to face the All Blacks on Saturday printed in a jumbled order. Even with New Zealand visiting, this traditional method of picking players no longer hold true.

Focus on the Final Stages

Instead, it's all about the game finishes. On this occasion, Steve Borthwick opted to chosen multiple British & Irish Lions for the substitutes compared to just a few among the first XV. At some point the 50-minute point this weekend, expect an extensive substitution with new talent joining the field. As South Africa's famous "Bomb Squad" have demonstrated, such a tactic can be extremely tough to counter.

Potential Pitfall

However, comes a minor issue. When facing one of the globe's second-best teams, it is vital to begin strongly as well. Waiting for the arrival from star replacements such as Tom Curry or teammates might appear less smart should New Zealand build a large lead by halftime, like against the Scots last week.

Yet this is today's way in rugby. Furthermore not many know more knowledgeable on this topic compared to Borthwick, as he spent several games on the bench during his career.

Past Examples

Among these matches, he mentioned this week, was a notable Test against New Zealand abroad during 2003, when the forwards was cut down due to yellow cards. At that time, Borthwick along with fellow substitutes stayed on the sidelines for the entire 80 minutes.

Conversely, in Rome the previous year, the then-coach brought on multiple England captains after 56 minutes, strategy memorably described as "the most illustrious substitutes ever."

Today's Strategy

This England substitute selection almost matches that in terms of "impact player" energy, as the team obviously aiming to overtake New Zealand in the final 20 minutes. "Every match we've faced versus them has gone toward the end," the coach said. "So we need the right players available to close out the game... utilizing that level of know-how on the bench is also a key advantage for the team."

Spectator Perspective

There will be fans paying high rates for seats this weekend wondering if reduced pricing could be offered if games now effectively depend on only the final minutes rather than the entire 80 minutes. Seriously, however, exists a further quietly compelling reason: which is Borthwick's trust toward emerging players such as Joe Heyes is becoming sufficiently strong that the "strongest" starting lineup is not exactly as many fans might assume.

Picking Choices

If that makes Borthwick as "an adventurous coach" is not something he is minded to discuss – "I don't go for labels... I try and pick the strongest squad we possibly can to get the results" – but England's ongoing streak of nine victories consecutively has reinforced his belief how Test rugby is more of a 23-man effort.

"In my view each member understands this is a team effort. All the individuals here assisting us get ready all play a part. This type of selfless mindset hasn't necessarily been present with England team. It was not my experience when I was playing."

Delicate Judgments

Some difficult choices are having to be made, even so, due to injuries of key players. The coach also says that "blessed for choice" at fly-half, and on this occasion, the decision Northampton's young talent who misses out entirely. Considering the damp conditions expected, the selection an experienced player in the pivotal role is hardly a major shock, while ability the All Blacks' defense against kicks will likely face tested often.

Experience and Flexibility

Additionally, comes the extra importance of experience together with necessity for a bench player that is able to slot into other positions, especially as a key player not yet fully ready. "I could have picked any of the three fly-halves then be sat here saying why each is the right player since I think they're all terrific," he commented. "George is a composed presence and has the skill to bring everyone together driving them onto the front foot. That's exactly what expecting him to do on Saturday."

Closing Thoughts

Will it all be enough? England lost three times by the All Blacks previously by a total margin only a small amount, while in terms of taking chances, the opposition remain highly effective as any. Given this scenario, it's likely every chance of a close battle that potentially boil down to the last 20 minutes. That's clearly what the England setup is expecting.