France to 'borrow' Springboks' bomb squad tactic
02/18/2025 07:43 AM
Under the leadership of coach Rassie Erasmus, the Springboks have become renowned for employing unique tactics, and quite famously (or infamously) using a 6-2 or 7-2 forwards-to-backs split on the bench – commonly known as the ‘bomb squad’.
It has drawn some criticism from certain quarters, with former Scotland coach Matt Williams – who has been outspoken against the use of this tactic – repeatedly hitting out at World Rugby for continuing to allow the use of a bench with this configuration.
Although Williams has reiterated that the blame was not being levelled at the Springboks for using a ‘legal’ tactic, he has strangely suggested the bomb squad 'discriminates against backs' and is effectively a safety issue.
Certain pundits and media have also criticised the tactic, but there are various teams who have begun to deploy a forwards-dominated bench, and now – according to reports – France will go as far as selecting a 7-1 bench on their own for the upcoming Six Nations clash against Italy.
France have made use of the 6-2 split for some time now, but according to a report by L'Equipe, coach Fabien Galthie will take it a step further and employ the 7-1 tactic this weekend.
The Springboks have brushed aside criticism of the ‘bomb squad’
Erasmus has repeatedly dismissed the lack of logic in an argument to not play to their strengths of using several forward on the bench.
“We do hear things and see things. I am on social media and I read things,” said Erasmus. “There are some things that you really take to heart and some things that you try to understand. I try stay in touch with South Africa and what our people feel and how they react, and I try to be honest with the media without giving too much away.
“To be honest with you, I’ve learnt that you know the laws and the protocols and you don’t go outside of the protocols. I’ve been slapped over my wrists for doing that and then had to learn and adapt.
“We could send them (the forward substitutes) on one by one, but if all six go at the same time, I don’t know if that’s dangerous.”
As the Six Nations enters the third round, France play away to Italy on Sunday (17:00 kick off).
SIX NATIONS 2025 FIXTURES
ROUND 3
Saturday, 22 February
Wales vs Ireland
England vs Scotland
Sunday, 23 February
Italy vs France
ROUND 4
Saturday, 8 March
Ireland vs France
Scotland vs Wales
Sunday, 9 March
England vs Italy
ROUND 5
Saturday, 15 March
Italy vs Ireland
Wales vs England
France vs Scotland
WHO DO YOU THINK WILL WIN THE TOURNAMENT THIS YEAR?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
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