World rugby are exploring a possible law change that could significantly depower the impact of the Springboks’ famed ‘bomb squad’.
The Springboks’ decision to start seven forwards off the bench in their 7-1 victory against the All Blacks on the eve of the 2023 World Cup gave new meaning to the team’s strength as a “bomb squad.”
Despite the fact that Willie le Roux’s injury occurred late, this bench arrangement sparked a lot of discussion in the rugby community. Former Scotland rugby coach Matt Williams claimed South Africa was “abusing the bench” and endangering player safety.
During the 2019 World Cup, the Springboks effectively used a 6-2 forwards-to-backs split on the bench, which is, of course, how the term “bomb squad” initially entered the rugby world.
Although there have been some critics, the Springboks did also receive support from various other people, while the team made it clear that they were not fazed by the stir it caused in the rugby world.
Throughout the 2023 World Cup, the Springboks mixed and matched with their bench, but notably again opted for the 7-1 tactic in the World Cup final against New Zealand.
Former referee Nigel Owens is one of the outspoken members of the rugby community who wants to see the number of substitutions limited, believing it would reduce the amount of physical collisions and open up the game.
WORLD RUGBY IS NOW MOVING TO ENFORCE A LAW CHANGE THAT WOULD DIRECTLY IMPACT THE SPRINGBOKS’ BOMB SQUAD
The Springboks’ decision to start seven forwards off the bench in their 7-1 victory against the All Blacks on the eve of the 2023 World Cup gave new meaning to the team’s strength as a “bomb squad.”
Despite the fact that Willie le Roux’s injury occurred late, this bench arrangement sparked a lot of discussion in the rugby community. Former Scotland rugby coach Matt Williams claimed South Africa was “abusing the bench” and endangering player safety.
During the 2019 World Cup, the Springboks effectively used a 6-2 forwards-to-backs split on the bench, which is, of course, how the term “bomb squad” initially entered the rugby world.
The fourth phase outlined specifically involves specialist working groups that will be established to further explore aspects identified by the Shape of the Game forum for further consideration. Recommendations will be made to Council.
- Replacements: Examine the latest research on the impact of fatigue and the number and timing of replacements in the elite game to determine options that might create more space on the field while improving injury rates.
It’s the point above which indicates how seriously World Rugby are considering making a key changes to the substitutions policies.
World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: “Change is in rugby’s DNA. Two hundred years ago we were The Springboks’ decision to start seven forwards off the bench in their 7-1 victory against the All Blacks on the eve of the 2023 World Cup gave new meaning to the team’s strength as a “bomb squad.”
Despite the fact that Willie le Roux’s injury occurred late, this bench arrangement sparked a lot of discussion in the rugby community. Former Scotland rugby coach Matt Williams claimed South Africa was “abusing the bench” and endangering player safety.
During the 2019 World Cup, the Springboks effectively used a 6-2 forwards-to-backs split on the bench, which is, of course, how the term “bomb squad” initially entered the rugby world.
