Selecting the strongest starting XV for a important match game seems more and more old-fashioned nowadays, bringing back thoughts of different times such as vintage television. To the point that one could almost expect to see the England selection to face the All Blacks this weekend printed with a jumbled order. Even with New Zealand visiting, this conventional method for picking players no longer applies.
Rather, the focus is all about how the game finishes. On this occasion, Steve Borthwick opted to selected six British & Irish Lions for the bench versus just four among the starting lineup. Around the second half point this weekend, expect an extensive substitution involving new talent entering the field. As South Africa's renowned "Bomb Squad" have shown, this tactic can be very tough to counter.
However, comes one small snag. When playing the world's second-best teams, it's essential to start strongly too. Holding out until the introduction from star replacements like Ellis Genge or others could seem not so smart should the All Blacks build a significant lead early on, like against the Scots last week.
Yet this is the modern way in rugby. Furthermore not many are more expert about this topic than the England coach, as he sat out multiple matches on the substitute during his career.
Among those occasions, Borthwick recalled this week, was the famous Test versus New Zealand abroad during 2003, where England's forwards were cut to six because of disciplinary issues. Even then, Borthwick along with other substitutes stayed on the sidelines for the entire 80 minutes.
On the other hand, in Rome earlier, the then-coach brought on four experienced leaders around the hour mark, strategy memorably referred to as "the most illustrious substitutes ever."
The current England substitute selection nearly matches those for "impact player" vibes, with the team clearly hoping to overtake New Zealand in the last 20 minutes. "Each game we have played versus them has gone toward the end," the coach stated. "So we need suitable personnel on to finish strongly... utilizing such a degree of experience on the bench is an important asset for the team."
Some those spending premium prices on seats this weekend questioning if a discount could be offered since games now effectively depend around only 20-odd minutes rather than the entire match. Joking aside, however, there is another subtly compelling explanation: which is Borthwick's trust toward younger players such as Joe Heyes is grown so deep that England's "best" starting lineup may not be exactly as casual supporters would think.
Whether that makes him as "a bold selector" remains a topic he inclined to discuss – "I'm not go for tags... I try and pick the strongest squad possible for success" – but England's ongoing run of nine Test wins consecutively has reinforced the view how international rugby is increasingly a 23-man game.
"I think each member recognizes this is a collective effort. All the players in camp helping the team prepare each play a part. That kind of selfless attitude hasn't always existed present in an England team. That was different when I was playing."
Several difficult choices are having to be made, even so, due to the absence of key individuals. Borthwick additionally says that "spoilt with options" in key positions, so on this occasion, it is one club's young talent that misses out completely. Considering wet conditions expected, choosing an experienced player in the pivotal role is hardly a major shock, and ability the All Blacks' defense under high balls is sure face examined frequently.
Then, there is the added importance of seasoned players and the need to have a bench option who can fill in the back three, especially as a key individual not yet fully ready. "It was possible to select either of the available playmakers and be sat now saying why each is the right player because I believe each one is terrific," he said. "George is a very calm leader but also possesses the skill to unite everyone together and [put] them on to the front foot. That's exactly what looking for from him to deliver on Saturday."
Will it prove enough? The team were defeated in all meetings against the All Blacks previously by a total margin of just a small amount, while in terms of taking chances, the opposition remain highly effective ever. In that event, it's likely a strong possibility of an intense contest that could come down to the final stages. That's clearly what this approach are anticipating.
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