Picking the strongest starting XV for a major match contest appears more and more quaint these days, bringing back thoughts of bygone days such as vintage television. To the point that you might nearly expect to see the home team lineup to face New Zealand on Saturday printed in a reversed sequence. Despite New Zealand visiting, the conventional method of choosing the team doesn't hold true.
Emphasis on the Endgame
Rather, the focus is all about the match ends. This time, Steve Borthwick opted to selected six experienced players for the bench compared to only a few among the starting lineup. Around the 50-minute mark this weekend, there will be a mass substitution with fresh players joining play. As South Africa's famous "Bomb Squad" has shown, this approach can be very tough for opponents.
Potential Challenge
But, comes one minor issue. When playing one of the globe's second-best teams, it's vital to start strongly as well. Waiting until the introduction of star substitutes like Tom Curry or teammates might appear less smart if the All Blacks take a large lead early on, as they did versus the Scots last week.
But that's today's approach in rugby. Furthermore few are more knowledgeable about the subject compared to the England coach, who sat out multiple games as an unused bench during his playing days.
Past Examples
Among these occasions, he mentioned this week, was the famous match against New Zealand in Wellington during 2003, where the pack was cut down because of disciplinary issues. At that time, Borthwick and other substitutes stayed on the sidelines for the entire match.
On the other hand, during a match in Italy the previous year, Clive Woodward brought on multiple England captains around 56 minutes, strategy famously described like "the most illustrious substitutes since."
Current Plan
The current England bench selection almost rivals those in terms of "Big Dog" vibes, as the team obviously aiming to catch New Zealand in the last 20 minutes. "Each game we have played against New Zealand has been close toward the end," the coach said. "So we need suitable players available to finish strongly... utilizing such a degree of experience among substitutes is also a key advantage for us."
Fan Perspective
Some those spending premium prices for tickets this weekend wondering if a discount might be offered if matches now effectively depend on just the final minutes rather than the entire 80 minutes. Joking aside, though, exists another subtly compelling reason: that the coach's confidence toward younger talents like Joe Heyes has grown sufficiently strong so that the "best" first lineup is not exactly as casual supporters would think.
Selection Decisions
Whether this qualifies Borthwick to be "an adventurous selector" is a topic he is minded to talk about – "I don't go for labels... I try to select the best squad we possibly can for the results" – yet the team's current run of nine victories consecutively has strengthened the view how international rugby has become more of an entire squad game.
"In my view each member recognizes this is a team effort. The 36 players here helping us prepare all contribute. That kind of selfless attitude hasn't necessarily been present in an England team. That was not my experience when I was playing."
Delicate Judgments
Several difficult judgments are having to occur, however, due to the absence of key individuals. The coach also notes he feels "spoilt for choice" at fly-half, so on this occasion, the decision one club's Fin Smith that is omitted entirely. Given wet weather forecast, the selection of George Ford at No 10 is hardly a huge shock, and the security the All Blacks' back three against kicks will likely face examined often.
Know-How plus Flexibility
Then, there is the added importance of seasoned players together with the need for substitute player who can slot into other positions, particularly as another player not yet fully ready. "It was possible to picked either of the available playmakers and be sat now talking why each is the best player since I believe they're all terrific," Borthwick said. "George is a composed presence and has the ability to bring everyone together driving them on to the front foot. It's what I'll be expecting him to deliver on Saturday."
Closing Outlook
Can it prove sufficient? England lost in all meetings against New Zealand last year with a combined difference only a small amount, while in terms of converting chances, the opposition remain as sharp as any. Given this scenario, there must be a strong possibility of a close battle that could boil down to the final stages. Which is exactly what this setup are expecting.
