Rassie laughs off 7-1 bomb squad criticism: We’re not bothered!
Rassie Erasmus says it was unsurprising, but equally unconcerning, that the Springboks faced a backlash for their 7-1 bench selection.
On the eve of the World Cup, Springboks coaches, Jacques Nienaber and Rassie erasmus notably named seven forwards on their bench in a 7-1 split for the game against the All Blacks, which gave new meaning to the team’s bomb squad strength.
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Although this bench configuration only came into effect after a late injury to Willie le Roux, it has caused a big debate in some rugby circles, with former Scotland rugby coach Matt Williams suggesting South Africa were “abusing the bench” and jeopardising player safety.
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RASSIE NOT CONCERNED BY ‘EXTERNAL’ NOISE
Despite the Springboks’ substitute strategy becoming a big talking point outside of the team camp, director of rugby Rassie Erasmus said they have not been concerned by the reaction.
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“We have been in a bit of a bubble, because we are focusing on what we are trying to do and how we can be successful at the World Cup. We can’t really care about how other teams are doing it and what their opinions are. We are just staying within the regulations and the laws of the game.
“So for us, it’s about what’s best for our team, what works for us and that certainly won’t be the same from one weekend to the next. We don’t really care about what other teams say about it. It’s about what’s best for South Africa and the Springboks.”
“I really didn’t pay much attention to [the reaction]. If it was something that we did wrong, that would have been something that bothered me. We follow all the laws and protocols.
“When I was playing, we only had two reserves. Then it became 22 and then 23 with a full front row [on the bench]. I know the laws, protocols and regulations really well. If you coach at this level, and work with coaches at this level, you know the laws of the game.
“I guess what I am trying to say, not being arrogant, is that it wouldn’t help us taking note of all of the hoo-ha, because we didn’t do anything wrong. I am not surprised, it’s new and people like to chat about that, but not really bothered.”
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OTHERS HAVE SUPPORTED THE ‘INNOVATION’
Meanwhile, the Springboks have received support from Australia coach Eddie Jones – who served as a consultant under Jake White in 2007 – while it’s understood that World Rugby will also not prevent South Africa from employing this tactic at the World Cup.
“Tradition maybe says 5-3, but that doesn’t mean it’s right,” Jones told reporters. “If you are going to play a heavy dominant forward game, why wouldn’t you have more forward players on the bench?
“Rugby is changing, the way it is refereed and officiated off the field is changing, it’s just a sign of the times.
“Who says you have to have eight forwards and seven backs (in your starting team)? You don’t have to. There are different ways to play the game,” the Wallabies coach added.
“I applaud South Africa for being so bold and courageous in the way they want to play. That is great innovation.”
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