England's Rugby Selection Revamp: Playing the Modern Tactics Versus the All Blacks

Choosing your strongest lineup for a important rugby contest feels increasingly quaint nowadays, bringing back thoughts of bygone days like classic TV shows. So much so that one could almost expect to see the England lineup to face New Zealand on Saturday displayed with a reversed sequence. Despite the All Blacks in town, this traditional method for choosing players no longer applies.

Emphasis on the Endgame

Rather, the focus is centered on how the match ends. On this occasion, Steve Borthwick has chosen multiple British & Irish Lions for the substitutes compared to only four in the starting lineup. Around during the 50-minute point on Saturday, there will be an extensive change with new talent joining the field. Similar to the Springboks' famous "Bomb Squad" has demonstrated, such a tactic is very tough for opponents.

Possible Pitfall

However, comes a minor issue. When playing one of the globe's second-best teams, it's vital to start well as well. Waiting for the arrival of star substitutes like Tom Curry or teammates could appear less smart should the All Blacks build a significant lead by halftime, as they did against the Scots at Murrayfield.

But that's today's way for you. And not many know more knowledgeable on this topic than Borthwick, as he sat out multiple matches as an unused substitute during his career.

Historical Examples

Including these occasions, Borthwick recalled recently, was a notable match versus New Zealand abroad during 2003, when the pack were cut to six due to yellow cards. At that time, Borthwick and other substitutes stayed unused throughout the 80 minutes.

Conversely, in Rome the previous year, Clive Woodward brought on four England captains around 56 minutes, strategy famously described like "the most illustrious substitutes ever."

Today's Plan

The current England substitute choices almost matches that in terms of "Big Dog" energy, as the team obviously hoping to overtake the opposition in the final 20 minutes. "Each match we've faced versus New Zealand has been close late," the coach said. "Therefore we need suitable personnel available to finish strongly... utilizing such a degree of know-how on the bench is also an important advantage for us."

Spectator Considerations

Some those paying premium prices for tickets at the stadium questioning if a discount could be offered if matches now largely hinge on just 20-odd stages instead of the full match. Joking aside, though, exists a further quietly compelling reason: that the coach's trust toward emerging players like Fin Baxter has becoming so strong that the "strongest" starting team may not be exactly as casual supporters might assume.

Selection Decisions

If that makes him as "an adventurous selector" is a topic he is minded to talk about – "I'm not go for tags... I aim and pick the best team possible to get success" – but the team's ongoing run of nine Test wins in a row has reinforced his belief that international rugby has become more of a 23-man effort.

"I think each player understands that it's a team endeavor. The 36 individuals here helping the team get ready all play a part. That kind of unselfish mindset hasn't always been the case in an past squads. That was different when I was playing."

Tough Decisions

Some difficult judgments have had to be made, however, with injuries of certain individuals. The coach additionally says he feels "spoilt for choice" in key positions, and this time, it is Northampton's young talent who misses out entirely. Given the damp conditions expected, the selection an experienced player in the pivotal role is hardly a huge shock, and the security the All Blacks' back three against kicks will likely to be tested often.

Know-How and Versatility

Additionally, comes the extra importance of experience together with necessity to have a bench option who can slot into the back three, especially as a key individual still completely fit. "I could have picked either of the three fly-halves and be sat here talking why each is the right choice because I believe they're all excellent," he commented. "George is a very calm presence but also possesses the skill to bring the team as one and [put] them on to attack. That's what I'll be expecting from him to deliver this weekend."

Final Outlook

Can it prove sufficient? England were defeated three times by the All Blacks previously with a combined margin of just a small amount, and in terms of taking opportunities, the opposition are highly effective as any. In that scenario, there must be a strong possibility of a close contest which could boil down to the last 20 minutes. That's clearly what the England setup are anticipating.