South Africa given permission to use seven-one replacements bench at the Rugby World Cup after deploying tactic in victory against New Zealand
- South Africa can use seven-one replacements bench at Rugby World Cup
- The tactic, which was used against New Zealand, was criticised by Matt Williams
South Africa have been given permission to use their seven-one replacements bench at the Rugby World Cup.
For their 35-7 victory over New Zealand last week, South Africa named a bench comprised of seven forwards and just one back.
In most cases teams have a bench of five forwards and three backs.
As reported by The Evening Standard, World Rugby have decided that South Africa’s decision does not bring any extra risk to players.
The only stipulation regarding benches for international matches is that teams much have a replacement front-row on the bench.
South Africa have been given permission to use their seven-one replacements bench at the Rugby World Cup
South Africa coach Jacques Nienaber will be able to use the tactic at the tournament
Cobus Reinach, Ox Nche, Bongi Mbonambi, Trevor Nyakane, Jean Kleyn, RG Snyman and Marco van Staden all featured as substitutes against New Zealand.
Former Scotland head coach Matt Williams was heavily critical of New Zealand’s selection and believes that the seven-one split should be outlawed.
‘The South Africans are just abusing the bench at the moment,’ Williams told OTB Monday Night Rugby podcast.
‘The bench came in all for safety reasons. People didn’t come on for positions they weren’t trained for so we weren’t putting back-rowers in the front-row. Everything was done for a reason.
‘They had seven forwards [against New Zealand]. Seven forwards… really? Seriously? And World Rugby has just got to act on this.
‘The way you fix it is say you must have three recognised backs on your bench. And that stops it.’
South Africa will take on Scotland, Romania, Ireland and Tonga in the group stages of the Rugby World Cup.
Former Scotland head coach Matt Williams was heavily critical of New Zealand’s selection
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