England's Rugby Strategy Overhaul: Playing the Modern Tactics Against New Zealand

Picking your strongest lineup in a big match game feels increasingly quaint these days, bringing back thoughts of past eras such as classic TV shows. So much so that you could almost anticipate finding this home team selection to face the All Blacks on Saturday printed in a jumbled sequence. Even with the All Blacks in town, this traditional way of picking the team doesn't applies.

Focus on the Endgame

Rather, it's centered on the game concludes. On this occasion, the coach has chosen multiple experienced players for the substitutes compared to only four among the starting lineup. At some point the 50-minute point this weekend, expect an extensive change involving fresh players entering play. Similar to South Africa's renowned "impact substitutes" have shown, such a tactic is very tough for opponents.

Potential Challenge

But, comes one minor snag. When playing the world's second-best sides, it's essential to start well too. Holding out for the arrival from star replacements like Ellis Genge and others could appear not so smart if New Zealand take a significant advantage early on, as they did versus the Scots last week.

Yet this is today's way in rugby. And not many know more expert about this topic than Borthwick, as he spent several games on the substitute in his playing days.

Historical Examples

Including those occasions, Borthwick recalled this week, was a notable Test against the All Blacks abroad during 2003, when the pack was cut down due to yellow cards. At that time, Borthwick along with other substitutes stayed unused throughout the 80 minutes.

On the other hand, in Rome earlier, the then-coach brought on multiple experienced leaders after the hour mark, strategy memorably described as "an exceptionally strong bench ever."

Today's Plan

The current team's substitute choices nearly rivals those in terms of "impact player" energy, as England obviously aiming to overtake the opposition during the final quarter. "Every game we have played against them has been close late," the coach stated. "So it's crucial the right personnel available to close out strongly... utilizing that level of know-how on the bench is also an important asset for the team."

Fan Considerations

There will be those paying high prices for seats at the stadium wondering whether a discount could be offered if games now effectively depend around only 20-odd stages instead of the entire 80 minutes. Joking aside, though, there is another quietly persuasive explanation: that the coach's confidence in emerging players like Fin Baxter is grown sufficiently deep that the "best" starting team may not be precisely what casual supporters might assume.

Picking Decisions

Whether this makes him as "an adventurous coach" remains a topic he is minded to talk about – "I'm not into labels... I aim to select the best squad we possibly can to get success" – but the team's ongoing streak with nine Test wins in a row has reinforced his belief how Test rugby has become more of an entire squad effort.

"I think each member recognizes this is a collective endeavor. All the individuals here assisting the team get ready all play a part. This type of selfless mindset has not always been present in an England team. That was not my experience during my time as a player."

Tough Decisions

Several delicate judgments have had to occur, even so, due to the absence of key individuals. Borthwick also says he feels "spoilt for choice" at fly-half, and this time, it is Northampton's Fin Smith who misses out completely. Considering wet weather forecast, choosing of George Ford at No 10 is hardly a major shock, and the security the All Blacks' back three against high balls is sure to be tested frequently.

Know-How plus Versatility

Then, comes the extra importance of experience and the need to have substitute option who is able to fill in the back three, especially as another individual still fully fit. "I could have select any of the three fly-halves then be sat here saying why they're the best player because I think they're all excellent," he commented. "He is a very calm leader and has the skill to bring the team together and [put] the team on to the front foot. That's exactly what expecting from him to deliver on Saturday."

Closing Thoughts

Can it all be sufficient? England lost in all meetings against New Zealand previously by a total margin of just 10 points, and regarding taking chances, the opposition remain highly effective as any. Given this scenario, it's likely a strong possibility of a close contest that could come down to the final stages. That's exactly what this approach are expecting.