Rassie Erasmus Details Bench Strategy as Springboks Eye Return to No. 1 Ranking
Rassie Erasmus, the tactical mastermind behind the Springboks, made waves when he unveiled the team lineup for their upcoming match against Scotland in Edinburgh. The Springboks are poised to reclaim their No. 1 spot in the World Rugby rankings if they secure a win or even draw. This potential leap to the top was set in motion by the All Blacks' 23-13 victory over Ireland in Dublin, a game that ended Ireland's 20-match winning streak at home and was their first loss at Aviva Stadium in three years.
With the stakes high, Erasmus opted for a bold and unconventional approach. He introduced a 7/1 bench split—seven forwards and one back—reminiscent of the strategy used in the 2023 World Cup final against New Zealand. Such a move emphasizes physical dominance and depth, ensuring that the Springboks maintain power and control throughout the match. This decision follows 11 changes to the squad that triumphed over Argentina with a commanding 48-7 win in the Rugby Championship final six weeks prior.
Erasmus acknowledged that the unique bench composition carries risk but explained that it offers significant advantages given the context of their upcoming fixtures. Speaking from Edinburgh, he emphasized the importance of preparing for the tight turnaround between Sunday’s clash and their next match against England, set for Twickenham. “To give a bit of context to it, it gives us a bit of an edge, with a bit of risk,” Erasmus said. “With this selection mix, we’re hoping that our forwards won’t be flat when they play against England. Each pack can play in each half, so that helps with the six-day turnaround.”
The match against Scotland also marks a milestone for Kwagga Smith, who is set to start at No. 8 in what will be his 50th test appearance. Erasmus highlighted the significance of Smith’s contribution, noting that special occasions often influence team decisions. “Kwagga is playing his 50th test. Whenever somebody is playing on a special occasion, we try to make it special for them,” Erasmus explained. This approach ties into the broader strategy of providing opportunities to newer players while maintaining a solid core of experienced athletes.
Eben Etzebeth is set to lead the team as captain, with Siya Kolisi coming off the bench. This strategic shift underscores Erasmus’s forward-thinking approach, ensuring that key players remain fresh and effective for the next critical game. The bench, dubbed by some as the “Nuclear Squad,” includes stars such as Pieter-Steph du Toit and RG Snyman, with Malcolm Marx reprising his impactful role as a substitute.
Erasmus acknowledged that the 7/1 split would likely never become a norm embraced globally, stating that such a configuration remains unconventional and can draw skepticism. However, the move is rooted in logic tailored to the specific challenges the Springboks face in their schedule. Grant Williams, the sole back on the bench, provides versatility with his ability to play both scrumhalf and wing. Du Toit, although primarily a flank, can also slot in as a lock if needed.
As the Springboks prepare to face Scotland, the strategic planning behind Erasmus's decisions reflects a balance of calculated risk and forward-looking preparation. With the top spot within reach, the team aims to deploy their mix of power, depth, and adaptability to secure victory and momentum heading into their showdown against England.
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