England's Team Selection Revamp: Playing the Modern Tactics Versus New Zealand

Selecting your top lineup in a major rugby game appears more and more quaint these days, bringing back memories of bygone days such as classic TV shows. To the point that one might almost expect to see this England lineup to face the All Blacks this weekend printed with a jumbled order. Despite the All Blacks visiting, the traditional way for choosing players no longer applies.

Focus on the Final Stages

Instead, the focus is all about how the game ends. On this occasion, Steve Borthwick has chosen multiple experienced players on the bench versus only four among the first XV. At some point during the second half point on Saturday, there will be an extensive change with fresh talent entering play. Similar to the Springboks' renowned "Bomb Squad" have shown, this tactic can be extremely tough to counter.

Potential Challenge

However, there is one minor issue. When facing the world's top-tier sides, it is essential to start strongly too. Holding out until the arrival of key substitutes such as Tom Curry and teammates could appear less brilliant should New Zealand take a large advantage by halftime, like versus the Scots last week.

But this is today's approach in rugby. Furthermore not many are more expert about this topic than the England coach, who sat out several games as an unused bench during his playing days.

Past Examples

Among those occasions, he mentioned recently, is the famous Test against New Zealand in Wellington during 2003, where the forwards was reduced down due to yellow cards. At that time, Borthwick along with fellow substitutes stayed unused for the entire 80 minutes.

Conversely, in Rome earlier, the then-coach introduced four England captains after the hour mark, strategy famously described as "an exceptionally strong substitutes ever."

Current Plan

The current team's bench choices almost rivals that in terms of "Big Dog" vibes, with the team obviously aiming to overtake New Zealand in the final quarter. "Each match we have played against them has been close toward the end," the coach said. "Therefore it's crucial the right personnel on to close out strongly... having that level of know-how among substitutes is also a key advantage for us."

Spectator Considerations

There will be those paying high prices for tickets at the stadium wondering if reduced pricing could be available if games currently effectively hinge on just 20-odd stages rather than the full match. Seriously, though, exists another subtly compelling reason: that the coach's confidence in younger players like Fin Baxter is becoming so strong so that the "best" starting lineup may not be exactly what casual supporters would assume.

Picking Choices

If this makes him to be "an adventurous coach" is a topic he's inclined to talk about – "I'm not into labels... I try to select the strongest team we possibly can to get the results" – yet the team's current run of nine Test wins consecutively has strengthened his belief that Test the sport has become more of a 23-man game.

"In my view each player recognizes this is a team endeavor. All the individuals in camp helping the team get ready all contribute. This type of unselfish mindset hasn't always existed present with England team. That was not my experience during my time as playing."

Delicate Judgments

Some delicate choices have had to occur, even so, with injuries of key individuals. Borthwick also notes he feels "blessed for choice" in key positions, and this time, the decision Northampton's young talent that misses out completely. Considering wet weather forecast, choosing of George Ford in the pivotal role is not a major shock, and ability of New Zealand's back three against high balls will likely to be examined often.

Know-How plus Versatility

Additionally, there is the added importance of seasoned players and the need to have a bench option that is able to slot into other positions, particularly with a key player not yet completely ready. "It was possible to picked either of the available playmakers then explain now saying about how each is the best player because I believe they're all terrific," he commented. "He is a composed leader and has the ability to unite the team as one driving the team on to attack. That's what I'll be looking for from him to deliver this weekend."

Closing Thoughts

Can it prove enough? England were defeated three times by New Zealand previously by a total difference of just a small amount, while in terms of taking opportunities, the opposition are as sharp as any. In that event, it's likely a strong possibility of an intense battle which potentially come down to the final stages. That's clearly what this approach is expecting.