New Zealand’s head coach, Scott Robertson, has hinted that the All Blacks might adopt the controversial ‘Bomb Squad’ approach in the upcoming Test season.
This strategy, which involves stacking the bench with forwards instead of a traditional balance of backs and forwards, has been a hallmark of the South African national team under coach Rassie Erasmus.
The ‘Bomb Squad’ Concept Explained
The Springboks’ tactic involves a 6-2 or even a 7-1 split between forwards and backs on the bench, ensuring a fresh wave of powerful players can dominate in the latter stages of a match.
While this has been an effective weapon for South Africa, it has also sparked debate in the rugby world.
Critics argue that it gives an unfair advantage and could pose safety concerns, with former Scotland coach Matt Williams being one of its most vocal opponents.
Williams has gone as far as to claim that the strategy “discriminates against backs” and disrupts the traditional balance of the game.
Mixed Reactions from the Rugby Community
Other prominent voices in rugby, including Scotland’s head coach Gregor Townsend, have also questioned the fairness of this approach.
Townsend has expressed concerns over how easily a team can swap out nearly an entire pack of forwards, potentially altering the dynamics of a match significantly.
However, despite the criticism, the approach is gaining traction, with teams like France recently employing a similar strategy in the Six Nations—one that helped them clinch the title.
Could the All Blacks Follow Suit?
Reports suggest that New Zealand is seriously considering implementing a 7-1 bench split for the upcoming Test season, which includes the mid-year internationals, the Rugby Championship, and their end-of-year European tour.
Robertson himself has acknowledged that while the All Blacks have previously been hesitant to embrace this tactic, they are keeping a close eye on its effectiveness.
Robertson’s Perspective
Speaking on the Rugby Direct podcast, Robertson emphasized that since the tactic is within the rules, teams are free to use it.
“It’s in the laws. The first thing to be clear about is, ‘is it allowed?’ Well, it is, so you can do it,” he stated.
He pointed out that given the intensity of modern rugby, particularly the physical toll on forwards, such a strategy can have a major impact.
“With the way the game is played now, the fatigue levels and the physicality of the forwards are immense.
Bringing on fresh players in the second half can make a huge difference,” he explained.
Robertson admitted that while the All Blacks hadn’t previously adopted the approach, they recognize its success and are open to considering it.
“You’ve got to keep an eye on trends, and this one is certainly an option,” he added.