Rassie Erasmus's reaction to South Africa's bench split sparks little interest in Rugby World Cup 2023

Posted by Eticketing.co on September 4th, 2023

Rassie Erasmus South Africa's Director of Rugby has stated that the Springbok camp did not pay significant attention to the Rugby World Cup 2023. Leading up to their recent match against the All Blacks at Twickenham. Instead, their focus seems to have been directed more towards addressing the external discussions.

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The specific issue at hand was the composition of the bench for the game against the All Blacks. Originally, it was planned to have a certain balance between forwards and backs on the bench. With the expectation that Willie le Roux a back would be part of the lineup. However, this plan had to be altered due to Willie le Roux's withdrawal from the match due to a rib injury.

As a result of Le Roux's injury the bench makeup shifted and the Springboks ended up with a seven-one split between forwards and backs on the bench. This means that they had seven forward replacements and only one back replacement available for the game. Such a bench composition can significantly impact the team's tactical options during the match.

As it limits their ability to make substitutions in the backline. Erasmus's comment suggests that while there was a lot of noise and discussion surrounding this bench split in the lead-up to the game. The team chose not to let it distract them and instead focused on their preparations for the match itself.

Rassie Erasmus didn't share the same level of concern or fascination

This mindset may reflect their determination to stay focused on their game plan and not get bogged down. By external factors or controversies regardless of the bench composition they had to field due to unforeseen circumstances. Kwagga Smith stepped in as the replacement for the injured Willie le Roux. Leaving scrumhalf Cobus Reinach as the sole backline substitute.

This unique bench configuration attracted considerable attention and intrigue in the rugby community. Notably, former Scotland coach Matt Williams became the focal point of post-match discussions. He voiced criticism towards the Springboks suggesting that they were overutilizing their bench resources. Rugby World Cup fans can buy South Africa Rugby World Cup Tickets from our website. 

With the situation seemingly unperturbed by the attention it garnered. Erasmus stated that we're operating within our camp's confines concentrating on our strategies for success in this Rugby World Cup.

Our focus remains on meticulous planning balanced team selection and ensuring our players are well-prepared. As for how other teams approach their preparations and any opinions they hold, it's not our primary concern. We're committed to adhering to the game's regulations and laws.

For us, the focus is solely on what benefits our team and aligns with our team's specific needs recognizing that this can vary from one match to the next. We're not concerned with external opinions or what other teams may be saying. Our priority is what serves South Africa and the Springboks best.

Rassie is expressing his perspective on the situation in the Rugby World Cup

Regarding the reaction to our decisions, I didn't pay much attention to it. If we had made a mistake or violated any regulations that would have been cause for concern. I have a deep understanding of the laws and regulations governing the game. When you work at this elite level of coaching a thorough knowledge of the game's laws is a fundamental requirement.

He is saying that if the bench composition or any of their actions violated the rules or regulations of the game. It would have genuinely concerned him. In other words, if they had made a mistake or done something against the rugby rules.

They would have taken it seriously and addressed it accordingly. However, he goes on to mention that without being arrogant they didn't see any wrongdoing on their part. Therefore, he implies that there was no reason for them to be bothered by the external criticism or hoo-ha surrounding their bench composition.

Essentially, he's suggesting that since they were confident that their actions were within the bounds of the rules. They didn't need to pay excessive attention to the controversy and criticism from others. They remained focused on their strategy and preparations for the game. Rugby World Cup fans can buy Rugby World Cup 4th Quarter Final tickets from our website.

Rassie Erasmus is addressing the reactions and discussions that arose due to the unique bench composition of a seven-one split between forwards and backs for the Springboks. He acknowledges that it's not surprising that people are talking about it. It's a departure from the more common bench configurations which tend to have a more balanced split between forwards and backs.

We utilized the six-two bench split during the RWC 2019 in Japan

When asked if there is another team in the world that can match the Springboks' seven-one split Erasmus responds with Of course. This suggests that other teams also have the capability and flexibility to adopt such a bench split if they deem it suitable for a particular match or situation.

Erasmus goes on to mention that even though it might be unconventional it's not entirely unprecedented. He points out that previously no team had employed a six-two bench split of six forwards and two backs. But New Zealand a rugby powerhouse used such a configuration in a recent match against the Springboks.

This example serves to highlight that team strategies and bench compositions can vary. Depending on the tactical considerations and the strengths and weaknesses of the opposition. It's a reminder that rugby teams adapt their tactics and lineups based on the specific challenges presented by their opponents.

Since we utilized the six-two bench split during the Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan. Eddie Jones and his team as well as Scotland have also adopted similar strategies. This approach has been implemented by Glasgow a club with many Scotland players. To read more about the Ireland team’s 18 forward players heading to France Rugby World Cup 2023.

In the modern rugby landscape, several teams worldwide have incorporated the six-two split into their tactics. Therefore, having a seven-one bench split which involves one less backline player and one more forward isn't a significant departure from this trend.

Teams cannot employ tactics reliably and their pertinency

Whether a team opts for a particular bench split depends on various factors including the team's composition and tactical preferences. It's not a one-size-fits-all approach and should align with the team's beliefs and strategies.

However, it's worth noting that such bench compositions are not suitable for every match. Teams cannot employ this strategy consistently and its applicability varies from game to game. I cannot speak for other teams' decisions in this regard. I am aware that if the best lineup for a particular game aligns with a seven-one bench split, we will certainly employ it again.

However, this decision will be based on the specific circumstances and the belief that the opposition may find it challenging to counter. It's important to recognize that some teams may easily handle this strategy so it's not a universal solution.

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