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The South Africans conquered, in October 2023 in France, a third world crown (after 1995 and 2019), notably eliminating Antoine Dupont and the Blues in the quarter-finals. This, thanks in particular to an innovative but criticized strategy.
“Bomb Squad”. The expression could scare. However, it designates a tactic adopted in very high level rugby. The principle? It concerns the composition of the replacement bench, which is no longer divided into 6 forwards and 2 rear, but in 7 forwards and 1 rear. The objective: to inject a huge physical density when this muscular squad comes into play, to switch the match.
A strategy popularized by South Africa, thanks in particular to one of its gray eminences: Rassie Erasmus. The current Springboks coach, already world champion in this position in 2019, was director of rugby at the 2023 World Cup in France. Alongside coach Jacques Nienaber, he shaped this “Bomb Squad”, which helped offer Cheslin Kolbe and his teammates a third world crown (1995, 2019, 2023), after having eliminated the Blues in the quarterfinals.
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But this strategy is not unanimous. The latest criticisms, rather virulent, come from Matt Williams, 60, former coach who passed by Leinster, Ulster, but also the selections of Ireland and Scotland.
“I admire the intellectual reflection of Rassie Erasmus, I have no problem with the coaches,” he said on ESPN first. “But every time I talk about it, former players come to see me and say to me:” You’re right. ” I have never heard anyone-apart from a few South Africans, because it is good for South Africa-saying that it is good. “
According to him, several former players therefore share his concerns. The reason? This strategy, which entrusts the destiny of the match to the before, would exhibit certain players at increased risks of concussions or back and neck injuries, in increasingly intense melee.
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“I think it’s a big problem. I am a bit alone, but because of my teammate Grant Harper (former paralyzed pillar after a failed fray, editor’s note), I don’t plan to be silent.
Matt Williams also denounces an growing imbalance on an international scale: “Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Australia and Argentina will compete with South Africa, New Zealand and France if the game continues like this? The answer is no!”
The Blues by Fabien Galkié also adopted this 7-1 strategy during the last 6 nations tournament. With success, especially during the decisive victory in Ireland, which led them to the final coronation in the competition.
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Last week, World Rugby confirmed that there was no ban on the “Bomb Squad” ban, adding that his research had not revealed any proof of dangerousness for the players.
