The English Rugby Selection Overhaul: Engaging in the Generation Game Versus the All Blacks

Picking your best lineup in a major rugby contest appears more and more old-fashioned today, evoking thoughts of past eras like classic TV shows. So much so where you might almost anticipate finding this England lineup against the All Blacks on Saturday printed with a jumbled order. Despite New Zealand in town, the traditional way of picking the team no longer applies.

Emphasis on the Endgame

Rather, the focus is centered on the game ends. On this occasion, Steve Borthwick opted to chosen multiple British & Irish Lions on the bench compared to just a few among the starting lineup. At some point the 50-minute mark on Saturday, expect an extensive change involving fresh talent joining the field. As South Africa's famous "Bomb Squad" has demonstrated, this tactic is very tough for opponents.

Potential Challenge

But, there is one minor snag. While playing the world's top-tier sides, it's vital to start well as well. Waiting until the introduction of star replacements such as Tom Curry and teammates could appear not so smart if New Zealand take a significant lead early on, like versus Scotland at Murrayfield.

Yet that's the modern way for you. Furthermore not many are more expert about the subject compared to the England coach, who sat out several games as an unused bench during his career.

Historical Examples

Among those matches, Borthwick mentioned recently, was the famous match against New Zealand in Wellington back in 2003, where England's forwards were cut down due to yellow cards. At that time, he and fellow reserves remained on the sidelines throughout the 80 minutes.

On the other hand, during a match in Italy earlier, Clive Woodward introduced four England captains after 56 minutes, a move memorably described like "an exceptionally strong substitutes since."

Current Plan

This team's substitute choices nearly matches those for "Big Dog" energy, with England obviously hoping to catch the opposition in the final quarter. "Every match we've played against New Zealand has gone late," the coach said. "So we need the right personnel available to close out strongly... having such a degree of experience on the bench is a key advantage for the team."

Spectator Considerations

There will be those paying premium rates on seats at the stadium wondering if reduced pricing might be available if matches currently largely depend on only 20-odd stages rather than the full 80 minutes. Seriously, however, there is a further subtly compelling explanation: which is Borthwick's confidence toward emerging players like Fin Baxter has grown so strong so that the "best" first lineup may not be exactly as many fans would think.

Picking Choices

Whether that makes Borthwick as "a bold coach" remains a topic he's is minded to discuss – "I don't into labels... I try and pick the strongest team we possibly can for the results" – but England's ongoing streak with nine Test wins in a row has strengthened his belief how international the sport has become more of a 23-man game.

"In my view every player recognizes this is a collective effort. All the players here assisting us get ready each contribute. This type of unselfish attitude has not always been present in an past squads. It was not my experience during my time as a player."

Tough Decisions

Several delicate judgments have had to be made, even so, due to the absence of certain players. Borthwick also notes he feels "blessed for choice" in key positions, so this time, the decision one club's young talent that is omitted entirely. Given wet conditions expected, the selection an experienced player at No 10 is not a major shock, and the security the All Blacks' back three against kicks is sure to be tested often.

Experience plus Flexibility

Then, comes the added importance of experience and necessity to have a bench option who can slot into the back three, especially with another player still fully ready. "It was possible to picked any of the three playmakers then be sat here talking why each is the best player because I think they're all terrific," Borthwick said. "He is a composed leader and has the skill to unite everyone together driving the team onto the front foot. That's exactly what looking for him to do this weekend."

Closing Thoughts

Will it prove enough? The team were defeated three times against New Zealand last year with a combined difference only 10 points, while regarding converting opportunities, Scott Robertson's side remain as sharp ever. In that scenario, it's likely every chance of an intense battle which could come down to the last 20 minutes. Which is clearly what this setup are expecting.