Rassie Erasmus Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus would’ve probably innovated more if the Bomb Squad was banned by World Rugby. Photo: AYANDA NDAMANE Independent Media
Image: Ayanda Ndamane, Independent Media
Comment by Leighton Koopman
Even if World Rugby outlawed the use of a 7-1 Bomb Squad – or Nuke Squad, as it’s sometimes referred to in South Africa – ahead of the start of the Springboks international season, head coach Rassie Erasmus would’ve found new and inventive ways to try and circumvent it as he continues to evolve the world champions.
There has been an outcry from certain parts of the international rugby world about South Africa’s use of seven forward replacements and only one in the backline since they started deploying it before the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
The ingenious split of the bench was the brainchild of Erasmus, and was used twice during the successful 2023 tournament in France.
The Boks implemented the unusual plan against Ireland in the group stages, though they ultimately lost that match, and again versus the All Blacks to win the final.
Since then, France head coach Fabien Galthie also adopted the genius strategy, using it to power their way to another Six Nations title.
Galthie could not have made it clearer that he is a big scholar of the Erasmus philosophy.
But other countries who do not possess the type of forward power have been vocal in their opposition to the Bomb Squad.
Scotland coach Gregor Townsend has been at the forefront of it as an opposing mentor, but he has effectively been shut down by World Rugby.
The Guardian newspaper in the UK reported this week that rugby’s international governing body have no plans to shut down Erasmus and now Galthie’s use of the “Bomb Squad” during Tests.
World Rugby were right not to ban it, especially if there were no medical grounds to do so.
The Bomb Squad, in its iconic 6-2 split or 7-1, as it has been recently used by the Boks and French, is not a loophole or a gimmick.
Erasmus didn’t break any rugby laws or invent new ones when he engineered it, but rather identified and capitalised on opportunities within the existing ones. That’s called creativity and innovation.
And, even if World Rugby found some way to outlaw it, they would’ve just opened the door for Erasmus to try and experiment more with the Springboks and their plans to win games. It is what he is known for.
As the coach said recently, they don’t innovate to wow the world, but to give them the best chance to win a Test.
The wow factor automatically comes with it – like getting winger Cheslin Kolbe to throw in at a lineout as if he is a hooker.
Stacking the bench with forwards allowed the Boks to unleash fresh legs that acted as a second wave of physical dominance in clashes just when the opposition gets tired.
The proof that it works is in the back-to-back World Cups and France’s recent Six Nations title win without superstar Antoine Dupont in crucial games.
Of course, success will breed criticism with arguments that it is unsportsmanlike, concerns over player safety and the shunning of backline talent.
But none of these held water when under scrutiny, especially the one about player safety.
World Rugby found no medical grounds to ban the Bomb Squad and in essence, gave a nod to the game’s ongoing evolution. If rugby wants to remain competitive and relevant internationally, there must be space for innovation.
Erasmus’ methods should push other coaches to think harder and deeper and not just run to the handbook for copy-and-paste strategies. Or to cry foul when they can’t beat the Springboks.
The restraint of the rugby bosses in the face of pressure shows some maturity, and they probably realised that a ban would result in Erasmus exploring new avenues of innovation which could cause commotion in the future.
Simply put, if other squads can’t beat the Bomb Squad, they must innovate.
It’s the name of the game in modern rugby. Currently, Erasmus is playing it better than most on the international scene.
On X, formerly Twitter, the response Erasmus had to the Guardian article about World Rugby not banning the Bomb Squad were two words: “So Lekka”, followed by the South African and French flags.