In recent years, the Springboks and Rassie Erasmus have become quite accustomed to criticism related to their ‘bomb squad’ tactic to regularly load the bench with forwards, which has also led to some calls for World Rugby to outlaw the 7-1 tactic in particular.
Playing to their forward-related strengths, the Springboks have become famed for their ‘bomb squad’ on the bench, often bringing on a host of forwards all together at some point during the second half.
It is a strategy that several other teams – such as France – have begun to utilise as well, but World Rugby has emphatically decided that there is no medical evidence that 7-1 bench splits will lead to more injuries.
In an interview with The Guardian, World Rugby’s chief executive Alan Gilpin confirmed that there was no reason to outlaw the tactic despite acknowledging that 7-1 splits raise questions over the spirit of the game.
On social media, Erasmus responded to the article, with a simple but meaningful two-word response: “So lekka,” he commented in typical South African fashion.
The World Rugby decision will be music to the ears of Rassie Erasmus
Gilpin explained why there were no plans to enforce any law amendments when it comes to the substitutes.
“We looked at it from a science, medicine perspective. Was there a distinctive view that a bunch of fresh players coming on with 20‑30 minutes to go is going to create a more injurious position, and the science said that’s not the case.
“So there was no reason from that perspective to look at how we might do replacements differently. Ultimately, there are a lot of different ways to win a rugby match.”
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