The English Team Strategy Overhaul: Engaging in the Modern Tactics Versus New Zealand

Choosing the top lineup in a major rugby game appears increasingly old-fashioned today, evoking memories of different times like vintage television. To the point where you could almost expect finding this England selection to face New Zealand on Saturday displayed in a reversed sequence. Despite the All Blacks visiting, this traditional way for picking players no longer applies.

Focus on the Final Stages

Instead, the focus is centered on how the match ends. On this occasion, Steve Borthwick opted to chosen six British & Irish Lions for the substitutes versus just a few in the starting lineup. At some point the second half mark this weekend, expect an extensive change involving new players entering play. Similar to the Springboks' famous "impact substitutes" have shown, this tactic can be very difficult to counter.

Possible Pitfall

However, comes one small snag. When playing one of the globe's top-tier teams, it is crucial to begin strongly too. Waiting until the introduction of star replacements like Tom Curry or others could appear less brilliant if the All Blacks take a large advantage early on, as they did versus the Scots at Murrayfield.

But this is the modern approach in rugby. Furthermore not many are more expert on the subject compared to Borthwick, as he spent multiple matches on the bench during his career.

Past Examples

Including these matches, he mentioned this week, is a notable match versus New Zealand abroad during 2003, where the pack were cut down due to disciplinary issues. Even then, he and other reserves remained on the sidelines throughout the 80 minutes.

On the other hand, in Rome the previous year, the then-coach introduced four experienced leaders after 56 minutes, a move memorably described as "an exceptionally strong bench ever."

Today's Plan

The current team's bench choices nearly matches that for "Big Dog" energy, with England clearly aiming to catch the opposition during the last 20 minutes. "Each match we have faced versus New Zealand has been close toward the end," Borthwick stated. "So it's crucial the right personnel on to close out strongly... utilizing that level of know-how on the bench is also a key asset for us."

Spectator Perspective

There will be fans spending high rates on seats at the stadium questioning whether a discount could be offered if matches currently largely hinge on only the final stages instead of the full 80 minutes. Seriously, though, exists a further quietly persuasive explanation: that the coach's confidence in emerging players such as Fin Baxter has becoming so strong so that the "strongest" starting team may not be precisely what casual supporters would think.

Picking Decisions

Whether that makes Borthwick to be "a bold selector" remains a topic he inclined to discuss – "I'm not go for tags... I try to select the best squad we possibly can to get success" – but England's current run with nine victories in a row has reinforced his belief how Test the sport is increasingly an entire squad effort.

"I think each member understands that it's a team effort. All the individuals here assisting us get ready each contribute. That kind of selfless attitude has not always existed present in an past squads. That was different during my time as playing."

Delicate Decisions

Some difficult choices are having to be made, however, with injuries of key players. Borthwick also notes he feels "blessed with options" at fly-half, so this time, the decision one club's young talent that misses out completely. Considering the damp weather forecast, choosing an experienced player in the pivotal role is not a huge shock, while ability of New Zealand's defense against high balls will likely face tested frequently.

Know-How plus Versatility

Additionally, comes the added value of experience and necessity for substitute player that is able to fill in the back three, particularly as another individual still completely ready. "It was possible to select any of the available playmakers and explain here talking why each is the best choice because I believe each one is terrific," Borthwick commented. "George is a composed leader and possesses the skill to unite the team together and [put] the team onto the front foot. It's exactly what expecting him to do on Saturday."

Closing Outlook

Will it all be enough? The team lost in all meetings against New Zealand last year by a total margin of just a small amount, and in terms of taking chances, the opposition are highly effective ever. In that scenario, it's likely every chance of an intense contest which potentially boil down to the final 20 minutes. Which is clearly what this approach are anticipating.