Matt Williams, a vocal critic of the Springboks' tactical use of a large forward bench, is alarmed by the adoption of a 6-2 split by France and England coaches for their upcoming Six Nations matches. Williams argues that this strategy distorts the spirit of substitutions, which should be for injury or fatigue, and laments the normalization of this 'Erasmus invention'.
France coach Fabien Galthie, seen here with Duane Vermeulen after last year’s World Cup quarter-final, has opted for a six-two bench split for Friday’s clash against Wales. Photo: AFPSpringbok-hater Matt Williams must be on the point of cardiac arrest after Six Nations big guns in France and England named teams with a 6-2 bench split for this weekend’s matches.
Williams, who coached New South Wales in Super Rugby before taking up the head coach position of Scotland , says the tactic that the Springbok coach pioneered is not “morally correct”. “When seven Springbok forwards troop onto the field simultaneously, you have to ask, ‘Is this what the substitution laws were designed for? I think not’.”Williams feels that substitutions should be made for injured or tired players, and that Erasmus has twisted the law to suit his staggering forward depth.
RUGBY SIX NATIONS COACHING SOUTH AFRICA SPRINGBOKS
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
O'Toole Suspended for Ireland's First Two Six Nations TestsUlster prop Tom O'Toole has been handed a six-game suspension for dangerous play, ruling him out of Ireland's opening two Six Nations matches.
Read more »
England Winger Feyi-Waboso to Miss Six Nations Due to Shoulder SurgeryImmanuel Feyi-Waboso, a rising star for the England rugby team, will be sidelined for the entirety of the 2025 Six Nations tournament following shoulder surgery.
Read more »
Underhill Ruled Out of Six Nations with Ankle InjuryEngland flanker Sam Underhill faces a lengthy layoff after requiring ankle surgery, casting doubt over his participation in the 2025 Six Nations.
Read more »
Gatland rings Wales changes for Six NationsWarren Gatland recalled veterans Josh Adams, Liam Williams and Taulupe Faletau for what promises to be a do-or-die Six Nations for the under-pressure Wales head coach.
Read more »
Maro Itoje Named England Captain for Six NationsMaro Itoje takes over the captaincy from Jamie George, with Steve Borthwick citing the desire for a captain present for the full 80 minutes as a key factor.
Read more »
Six Nations 2025: Squad Lists Released, Title Race Heats UpThe 2025 Six Nations tournament kicks off on January 31st, featuring a closely contested title race between Ireland, France, and England. Explore the official squad lists and prepare for an exciting clash of rugby titans.
Read more »