England's Team Selection Overhaul: Playing the Generation Game Versus New Zealand

Picking the best starting XV for a big rugby contest seems more and more quaint today, evoking thoughts of bygone days such as vintage television. To the point that you might nearly anticipate finding the home team lineup to face New Zealand on Saturday displayed with a reversed order. Even with the All Blacks visiting, this conventional way of picking players doesn't hold true.

Focus on the Final Stages

Rather, it's all about how the match ends. This time, the coach has chosen multiple British & Irish Lions on the substitutes versus only four among the first XV. Around during the second half point this weekend, expect an extensive change involving fresh talent entering the field. As the Springboks' renowned "impact substitutes" have demonstrated, this approach can be extremely tough for opponents.

Potential Pitfall

But, comes a minor issue. While playing the world's second-best teams, it is essential to start well as well. Holding out for the introduction of key substitutes like Ellis Genge and others could appear less smart should the All Blacks build a large advantage early on, as they did against Scotland at Murrayfield.

But this is today's way for you. And few are more knowledgeable about the subject than the England coach, as he spent several games as an unused substitute in his playing days.

Past Examples

Including these matches, Borthwick recalled this week, was the famous Test versus New Zealand in Wellington during 2003, where England's pack was reduced down due to disciplinary issues. Even then, he and fellow reserves remained unused throughout the 80 minutes.

On the other hand, during a match in Italy the previous year, Clive Woodward introduced four England captains around 56 minutes, a move famously described like "the most illustrious substitutes ever."

Current Plan

This team's substitute selection nearly rivals those in terms of "impact player" energy, as the team clearly aiming to overtake the opposition during the last 20 minutes. "Every match we have faced versus them has gone toward the end," Borthwick stated. "So it's crucial the right players on to close out strongly... having such a degree of know-how on the bench is also a key asset for us."

Fan Considerations

Some those spending premium rates for seats at the stadium questioning whether a discount could be offered since matches currently largely depend around just the final minutes rather than the full 80 minutes. Seriously, however, there is a further subtly compelling reason: that Borthwick's confidence toward emerging players like Joe Heyes is grown so strong that the "best" first lineup may not be precisely what casual supporters might assume.

Picking Choices

If this qualifies him to be "a bold coach" is not something he is minded to discuss – "I don't go for labels... I try to select the best squad possible for the results" – yet the team's current streak with nine victories in a row has strengthened the view how Test the sport is increasingly an entire squad effort.

"In my view every member recognizes that it's a collective effort. The 36 players in camp assisting the team get ready each contribute. This type of selfless attitude has not always been the case in an past squads. It was not my experience when I was a player."

Delicate Judgments

Several difficult judgments have had to be made, however, due to the absence of key players. The coach also notes that "spoilt for choice" at fly-half, and on this occasion, it is Northampton's Fin Smith who misses out entirely. Considering the damp conditions expected, the selection of George Ford at No 10 is hardly a major shock, while ability of New Zealand's back three under high balls is sure to be examined frequently.

Experience plus Versatility

Then, there is the extra importance of seasoned players together with the need to have substitute player who can fill in the back three, especially with a key individual still completely fit. "I could have picked any of the three fly-halves then explain now talking about how each is the best choice because I think they're all excellent," he commented. "He is a composed leader and possesses the ability to unite everyone together and [put] them on to the front foot. It's exactly what looking for from him to deliver on Saturday."

Closing Outlook

Will it all be sufficient? England were defeated in all meetings by the All Blacks previously with a combined difference of just a small amount, while regarding converting opportunities, Scott Robertson's side remain as sharp as any. In that scenario, there must be every chance of a close battle which potentially come down to the last 20 minutes. Which is clearly what this approach is expecting.