‘We followed the rules’ so Rassie Erasmus ignoring ‘hoo-ha’ of Springboks’ 7-1 replacements uproar

PARIS – South Africa’s director of rugby Rassie Erasmus was “surprised but not really bothered” by the furore surrounding his decision to name seven forwards and only one back on the replacements’ bench for their World Cup warm-up win over New Zealand at Twickenham.

The Boks hammered the All Blacks 35-7 on Aug 25 following a mass change in the pack after 47 minutes, with all seven forward replacements coming on together.

Teams usually have a 5-3 split on the bench, although it has become more common in recent seasons to see a 6-2.

South Africa’s tactic split opinion in the rugby world.

Former Scotland coach Matt Williams said on OTB Rugby podcast that the Boks “are just abusing the bench”, calling it a “safety issue” and “against the spirit of the game”. But Wallabies coach Eddie Jones praised the move.

“I applaud South Africa for being so bold and courageous in the way they want to play,” said the Australian. “That is great innovation.”

Erasmus, who is no stranger to controversy, insisted that the criticism had not affected the Boks one bit. “I really didn’t pay much attention to it,” he said in an online press conference from his team’s training base in Corsica, France.

“If it was something we did wrong then it would bother me but we followed the rules. I know the laws and protocols very well.

“I’m not being arrogant. It wouldn’t help us to take notice of the hoo-ha because we did nothing wrong. It’s new to people, so people like to chat about that.”

The Boks boss also pointed out that other teams have taken to having a forward-heavy bench.

“New Zealand had a 6-2 split against us last weekend. Scotland does it, Glasgow does it, lots of teams in the world do it,” he said.

“Seven-one is just one forward more. It’s not something you use week in week out.

“If we have the opportunity and the best players work in a 7-1 split, we will definitely use it. Some teams will handle it with a breeze though, so it’s not for every game.”

Erasmus also cast a wary eye at Scotland, whom they meet in their World Cup Pool B opener in Marseille on Sunday.

“Gregor (Townsend) is a class coach with good plans. He supports players playing with ball in hand, especially with Finn (Russell) there,” said Erasmus.

“Not to make anyone the favourites and underdogs but with Gregor there and with the way Scotland has been playing – they are a good squad – we have to be firing on all cylinders to get through this one.”

Holders South Africa also face Tonga, Romania and top-ranked Ireland before a likely quarter-final meeting with France or New Zealand. AFP