Good coaching does not just revolve around the ability to make stirring speeches; knowing how to blow a whistle at training; and scaring players enough for them to believe in you, jump for you and perform for you.

To be a good coach, you must be an even better selector, ensuring players are in the right positions where their talents can be fully utilised. It means a coach has to be imaginative, have a great eye for talent, but also be aware they must focus as much on how a team finishes a game as how it starts a game.

Once upon a time picking a rugby team meant selecting the 15 best players; those who just missed out sat on the bench as the consolation prize. Selection is now more of a science, and getting the balance right on the reserves bench and knowing when exactly to bring on the back-up artillery to finish off the assignment can determine how long you remain top dog.

While Michael Cheika has during his reign as Wallabies coach taken delight in being unpredictable in his starting XV selections, his use of the bench has been impressive and on numerous occasions it has enabled Australia to get out of trouble. He understands the dynamics of getting the best out of his reserves contingent.

The Wallabies under Cheika have become fine finishers, which is bound to be a crucial factor against England at Twickenham, especially as his counterpart - Stuart Lancaster- appears to struggle in utilising his bench.

Stuart Lancaster affected England adversely with his decision during the pool match against Wales, Greg Growden believes. David Rogers/Getty Images

Lancaster has rightfully been criticised for his use of his reserves against Wales - including by former England international and ESPN colleague Mark Cueto, because it appeared to be coaching by numbers; it's as if he had a piece of paper in his lap which said at a certain time a certain player had to come on. England were developing momentum against Wales, but they lost it when unnecessary changes were made and they stumbled badly in the final stages. At the end, they looked disjointed.

Michael Cheika's introduction of James Horwill off the pine was key in the Wallabies making a 2015 season-winning start against South Africa. Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Cheika has been more imaginative in that area, bringing players on when they were desperately required and not making changes for change sake. Through that has come crucial victories - such as when the Wallabies defeated South Africa in Brisbane in July. Early jitters in Brisbane were overcome when the Wallabies reserves bench worked a treat, with Greg Holmes, Scott Sio, James Horwill and David Pocock succeeding in stabilising the Australian scrum - with the tantalising addition of watching the openside specialist Pocock playing well at No.8. Admittedly their task was helped by Springboks coach Heyneke Meyer strangely replacing the Du Plessis brothers - prop Jannie and hooker Bismarck - far too early. Timing is crucial.

Then there was the clever use of back-up half-back Nic White and midfielder Matt Toomua in the second half against the All Blacks in Sydney.

This week Cheika held back the naming of the bench, eventually deciding on Ben McCalman, after his excellent effort against Uruguay, to fill the final forwards spot. It was a good decision. Sean McMahon rightfully received all the praise for his performance against Uruguay in Birmingham, but McCalman's Test experience will be vital in the final minutes; he can also cover more roles. As shown in Birmingham, McCalman is a worker.

Tatafu Polota-Nau offers great experience when he replaces Stephen Moore from the bench. Getty Images/2015 Getty Images

The balance elsewhere on the bench is right, with an abundance of knowledge including Queensland captain James Slipper and former Waratahs leader Dean Mumm. Tatafu Polota-Nau and Greg Holmes have been around long enough not to be overwhelmed by the moment. Toomua and Kurtley Beale can adequately cover numerous backline roles, and both have the ability to revitalise a flagging attack. There is no weak link on the Australian bench, and it is far superior to England's.

By comparison, what's the point of having Sam Burgess among the England reserves? The number of roles he can cover is minimal, while his rugby inexperience was on show against Wales. Maybe Lancaster believes the Wallabies will be intimidated by Burgess's rugby league prowess. No matter what, it's a waste of a bench spot. Already advantage Australia.