🔗 Share this article

Picking your top lineup for a important rugby game appears more and more old-fashioned nowadays, bringing back memories of bygone days such as classic TV shows. So much so where one could nearly expect finding this England selection to face New Zealand this weekend displayed with a reversed sequence. Even with New Zealand in town, the traditional method of picking the team doesn't hold true.

Emphasis on the Endgame

Rather, the focus is all about the game ends. On this occasion, Steve Borthwick has chosen six British & Irish Lions on the substitutes compared to just four among the first XV. At some point during the second half point on Saturday, expect a mass substitution involving new talent joining the field. Similar to South Africa's famous "impact substitutes" has shown, such a tactic is extremely tough to counter.

Potential Pitfall

However, comes one minor issue. When facing the world's top-tier teams, it's vital to start strongly too. Holding out for the introduction from key replacements such as Tom Curry and others might seem not so brilliant should the All Blacks build a large advantage early on, as they did versus Scotland last week.

Yet this is the modern approach for you. Furthermore few are more expert about the subject than Borthwick, who sat out multiple games on the bench during his career.

Past Examples

Including these occasions, Borthwick mentioned this week, is the famous match versus New Zealand abroad back in 2003, where the forwards was cut to six due to disciplinary issues. At that time, he and fellow substitutes remained on the sidelines throughout the 80 minutes.

Conversely, during a match in Italy earlier, the then-coach brought on multiple experienced leaders around the hour mark, a move famously described like "the most illustrious bench ever."

Today's Plan

The current England substitute selection nearly matches that in terms of "Big Dog" energy, with the team obviously aiming to overtake the opposition during the final 20 minutes. "Each game we have faced against them has gone late," Borthwick stated. "So it's crucial the right personnel on to close out strongly... having such a degree of know-how on the bench is a key asset for the team."

Spectator Perspective

Some fans paying premium prices on tickets at the stadium wondering whether reduced pricing might be offered if games now effectively hinge on only 20-odd stages rather than the entire 80 minutes. Seriously, though, exists another subtly compelling reason: that Borthwick's confidence in younger talents like Joe Heyes has grown so deep so that England's "best" starting lineup may not be precisely what casual supporters would think.

Selection Choices

Whether that qualifies Borthwick as "an adventurous coach" is a topic he is minded to talk about – "I'm not go for labels... I try to select the best team we possibly can for success" – but England's current streak with nine victories consecutively has reinforced his belief how Test rugby is more of a 23-man game.

"In my view every member recognizes this is a team effort. All the players in camp helping the team get ready all contribute. That kind of unselfish mindset has not necessarily existed present in an England team. That was different during my time as playing."

Delicate Decisions

Some delicate choices have had to occur, even so, due to injuries of key individuals. Borthwick additionally notes he feels "blessed for choice" at fly-half, and this time, the decision one club's young talent that misses out entirely. Considering the damp conditions expected, choosing of George Ford at No 10 is hardly a huge shock, and the security of New Zealand's back three under high balls will likely to be examined often.

Experience and Versatility

Then, there is the added importance of seasoned players together with necessity for substitute player that is able to slot into the back three, particularly with another individual still fully fit. "It was possible to picked any of the three fly-halves and be sat now saying about how they're the best choice because I think they're all terrific," he commented. "He provides very calm leader but also has the skill to unite the team together and [put] them on to attack. It's what I'll be expecting from him to deliver this weekend."

Final Outlook

Will it all be sufficient? England were defeated in all meetings by New Zealand previously by a total difference only a small amount, while regarding converting chances, the opposition are as sharp as any. In that event, it's likely a strong possibility of a close contest which could boil down to the final stages. That's exactly what the England setup are anticipating.