“Impact player”, we have long used this term to talk about a particularly decisive and important substitute, when he comes into play, in the last moments of a match. The South Africans – facing New Zealand on Saturday in the final of the tenth Rugby World Cup – pushed the envelope further, by fielding several ultra-effective and dominating substitutes, capable of turning the tide of a match rather poorly shipped. Boks boss Rassie Erasmus and his coach Jacques Nienaber even innovated recently by inventing the 7-1 bench, with seven forwards and just one back. With a name for this squad of heavyweights: the “bomb squad”, the mine clearance team, which largely enabled South Africa to win its third world title in Japan in 2019.
In the quarter-finals against the Blues, then in the semi-final against the English, it was thanks to the entry of new blood (and testosterone) that the Boks made the difference even though they were, each time behind, to the score. After qualifying for the final and the poor performance against the XV de la Rose, Jacques Nienaber recognized that “England were excellent in the kicking game, they dominated us in this area. We were terribly lacking in discipline in the first half, particularly in key areas where they could take points.” And to welcome: “But in the second half, we managed to come back to the strength of the wrist. We showed who we are and what we are capable of doing at 23.”
The breadth and depth of the South African squad is impressive. Against France and England, what we thought would be the number 1 hinge – made up of Faf de Klerk and Handré Pollard, indisputable starters in 2019 – started on the bench. And, at all positions in the pack, those who return are at least as good – if not more – than those they replace. We think in particular of the pillars Vincent Koch and Ox Nche – decisive in the won scrum which led to Pollard’s penalty – or the second row RG Snyman, who registered (in force, of course) the hope of hope against the English.
This is the great strength of the Boks, bringing new blood to stifle the opponent, maintaining unbearable physical pressure. Visible against the XV de la Rose who were in the lead until the 77th minute of play. “We needed energy, so we decided to bring in the substitutes. We are lucky to have a group where there is not much difference between starters and substitutes. We needed energy and they gave it to us,” insists Jacques Nienaber.
If, during its last two matches, the South African staff used a classic 5-3 bench, the creation of the 7-1 had caused many teeth to cringe. Many saw this as a harmful development in the possibility of making changes and a danger for the players who had started the match, finding themselves facing an almost brand new pack. Rassie Erasmus then defended himself: “We just stay within the rules and the laws of this game. So for us it’s about doing what’s best for our team, what works for us and what is certainly not the same from one weekend to the next.”
The controversial technician continues: “We don’t really care what the other teams say. It’s about what’s best for South Africa and the Springboks. I really didn’t pay much attention to these reactions. If it was something we did wrong, it would have bothered me. But we follow all the laws and protocols…” Eddie Jones, Australia coach, praised this strong choice which ultimately corresponds well to the culture of the Springboks: “I applaud South Africa for being so bold and courageous in the way she wants to play. This is a great innovation.” It worked wonderfully during the historic victory against the All Blacks (quickly reduced to fourteen), at Twickenham, in a preparation match (37-5). But not during the clash against Ireland, during the group match lost against Ireland (3-8).
Jacques Nienaber details and clarifies his battle plan: “When we put together our bench, people focus on the number of forwards but the important thing is the group and its quality. If they enter the field, it is because the holders have laid the foundations for the match. We can never estimate the impact of the starters but they tire the opponent. We don’t have an A team or a B team. We don’t work like that.” And to emphasize: “The good thing about this team is that even when they don’t play well, they eventually find a solution. She refuses to give up and fights until the end.”
And emulation is in full swing. The players accept, without complaint, to be starters or substitutes. “Whatever,” sweeps pillar Steven Kitshoff. An opinion shared by scrum half Cobus Reinach, starter in the last two qualifying matches after having lived for a long time in the shadow of Faf de Klerk: “We are a group of 33 players, to which we must add (the injured) Malcy ( Malcolm Marx) and (Makazole) Mapimpi who are at home. We are a team of 35 players determined to win. If it’s about coming on in the 35th or 45th minute, or whenever, we do the right thing. Nobody complains. Everyone has their role to play. No matter what it is, you have to tackle it to the best of your ability.”
In their preparation for Saturday night’s final, the All Blacks joked about the famous ‘bomb squad’, saying they watched the award-winning series Band of Brothers and took the nickname ‘Easy Company”, in reference to this decisive American parachute regiment during the Second World War. Winger Dalton Papalii smiled: “They have their bomb squad, but we could do like Easy Company and go finish the job in the trenches!” What Jason Ryan, the coach in charge of the New Zealand forwards, confirms: “We’re going to have to defuse the bomb, I think.” The war for a fourth planetary crown is well underway.
