The English Rugby Strategy Revamp: Playing the Modern Tactics Versus New Zealand

Picking your best lineup for a major rugby game appears increasingly outdated today, evoking thoughts of different times such as vintage television. To the point where one might nearly anticipate to see this home team selection against New Zealand this weekend printed in a jumbled order. Even with New Zealand visiting, the traditional method for picking players no longer applies.

Focus on the Endgame

Rather, the focus is all about how the game finishes. This time, the coach has chosen six experienced players for the bench versus just a few in the starting lineup. At some point during the 50-minute mark on Saturday, expect a mass substitution with new players joining play. Similar to South Africa's famous "Bomb Squad" have demonstrated, such a tactic is very difficult to counter.

Possible Pitfall

But, comes one small snag. While playing one of the globe's second-best teams, it is essential to begin well too. Waiting for the introduction from key replacements such as Ellis Genge and teammates might appear not so brilliant if the All Blacks take a significant lead early on, like against Scotland last week.

But that's the modern way for you. And not many know more knowledgeable on this topic than Borthwick, who sat out multiple games as an unused bench in his career.

Past Examples

Including these occasions, he recalled recently, was the famous match against the All Blacks in Wellington back in 2003, when the pack were cut down because of disciplinary issues. At that time, Borthwick and other substitutes stayed unused for the entire 80 minutes.

On the other hand, during a match in Italy the previous year, Clive Woodward brought on multiple England captains around the hour mark, strategy famously referred to as "the most illustrious substitutes ever."

Current Strategy

The current team's bench selection nearly matches that for "impact player" energy, as England obviously aiming to catch the opposition during the final quarter. "Each game we've played against New Zealand has gone toward the end," the coach stated. "Therefore it's crucial suitable players available to close out the game... having such a degree of experience on the bench is also an important asset for the team."

Spectator Perspective

Some those paying high rates for seats at the stadium wondering if reduced pricing could be offered since matches currently effectively depend on only 20-odd minutes rather than the full match. Seriously, however, exists a further subtly persuasive explanation: that Borthwick's confidence toward emerging talents like Joe Heyes is grown sufficiently strong that England's "best" starting lineup may not be precisely as casual supporters might think.

Selection Choices

If that makes Borthwick to be "a bold selector" is not something he is minded to discuss – "I'm not into labels... I aim to select the strongest team we possibly can to get the results" – but the team's current run with nine Test wins in a row has strengthened the view that international rugby is increasingly an entire squad game.

"I think each member recognizes this is a team effort. All the players in camp helping us get ready all play a part. That kind of selfless attitude has not necessarily been the case in an England team. That was not my experience when I was playing."

Delicate Decisions

Some difficult choices are having to be made, even so, due to the absence of key players. The coach also notes he feels "blessed for choice" at fly-half, and on this occasion, it is one club's young talent who is omitted entirely. Considering the damp conditions expected, the selection of George Ford at No 10 is not a major surprise, while ability of New Zealand's back three under high balls will likely to be examined often.

Know-How and Versatility

Additionally, there is the added value of seasoned players and the need for a bench option who is able to slot into the back three, particularly with another player still completely fit. "It was possible to select any of the three fly-halves and explain here talking about how each is the best choice since I believe each one is excellent," he commented. "He provides composed leader but also possesses the skill to bring the team as one driving the team on to attack. That's exactly what looking for from him to do this weekend."

Closing Thoughts

Will it prove enough? England lost three times by the All Blacks previously by a total margin only a small amount, and regarding taking opportunities, the opposition remain as sharp ever. Given this event, there must be a strong possibility of a close battle which potentially boil down to the final stages. That's exactly what this setup are anticipating.