It appears that Rassie Erasmus and the powers that be at World Rugby are on another collision course following Bill Beaumont’s latest hot take regarding the use of substititions.
WHAT IS THE BOMB SQUAD?
The concept of the ‘bomb squad’ first came into the rugby conversation when the Springboks effectively utilised a 6-2 forwards-to-backs split on the bench during the 2019 World Cup.
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.
BILL BEAUMONT NOT IMPRESSED WITH BOMB SQUAD TACTIC
By the sounds of it, World are ready to descend on an exploration path that could significantly ‘depower’ the impact of the Springboks’ famed bomb squad, even though the official line being used is ‘concern the game is becoming over-reliant on substitutes.
“My view is that we allow too many substitutes,” Beaumont told The Times.
“I don’t know if I’m looking through rose-coloured spectacles but in years gone by the game always opened up in the last 20 minutes, and games were often won in the last 20 minutes.
“The Bomb Squad are very effective at what they do, and very successful — they have won two World Cups. I will not criticise that at all, because it suits their game, but maybe they could run for a bit longer and a bit further.”
RASSIE ERASMUS IS NOT HAVING ANY OF IT
In response to The Times article carrying Beaumont’s comments regarding substitutions in rugby, Rassie Erasmus took to social media to air his grievances.
“Bomb squad? Good thing games is won or lost on the field and not in the boardrooms,” the Springbok boss wrote on his X account.
DO YOU AGREE WITH RASSIE ERASMUS OR BILL BEAUMONT?
Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this Rassie Erasmus and World Rugby article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
