What to do with the Springbok ‘bomb squad’? This is a topic that has generated a lot of discussion in recent weeks and months, and I’m going to touch on it today. Starting at 7.30 this morning, you’re reading this column before or after the Boks’ Rugby Championship match against the Wallabies in Adelaide. Interestingly, Boca opted for five forwards and three backs on the bench for tonight’s match, after previously going with six forwards and two backs, while the Aussies fielded something of their own explosive squad today, with six forwards and just two defenders. And…
What to do with the Springbok ‘bomb squad’?
This is a topic that has generated a lot of discussion in recent weeks and months, and I’m going to touch on it today.
Starting at 7.30 this morning, you’re reading this column before or after the Boks’ Rugby Championship match against the Wallabies in Adelaide.
Interestingly, Boca opted for five forwards and three backs on the bench for tonight’s match, after previously going with six forwards and two backs, while the Aussies fielded something of their own explosive squad today, with six forwards and just two defenders.
Many people have asked me what I think is best and is it a gamble to go into test matches with only two defenders on the bench?
The short answer is, barring injuries, six-two is definitely the way to go for the Boks.
READ ALSO: Defusing the “explosive squad” gives Box more options
It worked for them many times. They dominated just about everyone, and when you have that depth and class in the forwards, it would be silly not to support the heavy-scoring forwards.
Unfortunately, the Boks have been unlucky this year with injuries early in the matches and this has obviously affected the squad as well as how and when those on the bench have been used. There’s nothing you can do about it, and it’s a risk when you pick six forwards and two defenders.
The nice thing about the five-three split is that a few more players get a chance to play, and because of the different roles of all the players, Elton Yanties and Frans Steyn could be selected for the team today. If the Boks had opted for a six-two split, I think Willy le Roux would have played again.
So a different line-up means that different players come into the team for the match, which is not a bad thing.
I think it’s good that Jacques Ninaber changed that this week. There is no harm in assessing the situation, the opposition and the available players and going with it. I think moving forward it would be wise for the Bocks to go play-by-play and make calls every week.
However, the Boks have the depth and strength to go six-two more often than not. I love it and I think the opposition hates it and that’s fine I guess.
And then, moving on to a slightly different question that came up recently, I’ve had a few people ask me about constant tinkering in the front row. The only constant seems to be France Mallerb, where the props of the prostitute and the lecher are often changed.
I don’t think it matters how the Boks perform during the scrimmages. They are all quality players and know their roles, and at least everyone gets a review. They will all feel part of the team, which is important to stay motivated and engaged.
And that is why today it was important to support Joseph Dweba. There has been a lot of buzz this week about his performances and re-selection, but coaches (and anyone who has watched rugby over the last five years) know what Dweba can bring to a competition.
It’s really just that small detail that he has to anchor, break well and hit jumpers. He is a great player and should be supported by those closest to him. Everyone deserves a chance to make things right.
Until next week.
