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World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin says there’s no scientific evidence that a 7-1 split between forwards and backs on the bench leads to more injuries.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus first used the innovative tactic for the 2023 World Cup warm-up match against the All Blacks at Twickenham, with his side claiming a record 35-7 victory.
He then pushed the nuclear button twice at the global showpiece itself, for the pool defeat to Ireland and the final against New Zealand, which the Boks won 12-11.
Some critics accused South Africa of going against the spirit of the game by bringing on a fresh pack of forwards, while others said it could impact player safety.
The tactic drew further criticism during the recent Six Nations when successfully utilised by France coach Fabien Galthie, with Scotland coach Gregor Townsend saying “the bench was not set up to suddenly have a new forward pack coming on”.
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Newly-elected World Rugby chairman Brett Robinson has said the 7-1 split does “raise questions” over the “spirit of the game”, but CEO Alan Gilpin told The Guardian there is no scientific evidence that it results in injuries and therefore no reason to ban it.
“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,” Gilpin said.
“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.”
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
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