Why the Springboks Bomb Squad Has Everyone Furious

[@leroydickens3705]

We never complained when England often used the drop goal, especially when it won the 2003 World Cup. No one asked for drop-goal limits to be imposed. Instead of Hansen holding his team accountable for their results, he is obsessed with the bomb squad.

[@frontrowrugby]

It's typical, isn't it? Always blame someone else instead of taking accountability!

[@pheasantplucker6117]

What does that have to do with the price of bread

[@pheasantplucker6117]

Load of bunkum . Less injuries to South Africa bomb squad may be. As usual you forget the tired opposition sucking up injuries from a fresh bomb squad.

[@frontrowrugby]

@@pheasantplucker6117 But those tired players can be replaced. They don't have to stay out there. It is the coach's right to make those substitutions. By the way, love your use of the word 'bunkum"! Brilliant!

[@phelansa23]

@@pheasantplucker6117 so, because their coaches are stupid, now you want to blame Rassies Bomb Squad? Come on dude, your argument is weak AF. I know it’s going to hurt, but try to think for 5 minutes. Managing the time forwards spend on the filed will extend their playing careers. That holds true for ALL teams. So, blame the stupidity of THEIR team management. Everybody is free to choose their replacements. They just have to do better.

[@whiteybester9160]

They do not hate the bomb squad. They hate South African rugby. Who cares. We are the world Champions. ❤❤❤

[@frontrowrugby]

There is a lot of truth in that statement ... but at the end of the day, we are indeed the world champions!

[@markthompson7817]

By one point against fourteen men.

[@johanstruwig3815]

@@markthompson7817 so, where is the RWC now? Still in South Africa...

[@Emmalovesdogsandcats]

​@@markthompson7817yes, we did win the championship

[@tshepotaole2026]

4 for 4 🏆

[@sandrapitchers9272]

Jealousy make you nasty - all sour grapes 🤓

[@frontrowrugby]

That's exactly right, Sandra!

[@Where_is_ari-b11]

We make wine with those grapes iykyk

[@Birdman953]

The strangest thing. Rassie “invented” the Bomb Squad. After a few outings of the new bomb squad onto the field, other teams took note (as well as the rest of the rugby world). Now everyone is up-in-arms like it is a crime! Exactly what is stopping ALL THE OTHER TEAMS from implementing the exact same tactic? Absolutely nothing!

[@RiaanvonWielligh-y8b]

Rassie has been brilliant in making use of the talent we have in SA. Equally brilliant in thinking out of the box in how to use the rules to his advantage with the strength he has regarding the depth of talent available. Het is in a class of his own, and the rest of the world doesn't like not being the pase setters.

[@dreammaker9642]

Steve Hansen clearly hasn’t watched much from the SA youngsters like Hanekom or Louw… we aren’t worried about the future in SA

[@frontrowrugby]

Riaan you are the money!

[@frontrowrugby]

Bad news for Hansen! Hahaha!

[@rogermccallum4466]

The bomb squad is not rocket science,The boks have at least 2 first sides,so they can do it,anew coach may prefer to replace players when required,personally l would prefer the best 15 on the field at the same time,it also means on average6 forwards only regularly play 50 % of a game,,The new red card rule is also a factor

[@sydneytyeku5754]

They never expected that springbok will do this to them and notice the countries that are complaining is Britain and new Zealand

[@frontrowrugby]

Well said, Sydney! It's always them, isn't it?

[@JackSmith-t2y]

Nobody wants to watch a SA 1st v SA 2nd in a RWC final.

[@michaelcrichton7763]

They basically admitting that they can't beat us without changing the laws. Just like when they outlawed taking a scrum at a free kick and banning the head coach and/ or Director of Rugby from being water carriers. What they are failing to see is that there's pros and cons to every strategy. Having a forwards heavy bench leaves you vulnerable to potential backline injuries during the match. It's a risk we willing to take. Let them focus on their own teams

[@frontrowrugby]

You are right, Michael. It actually comes across as if they will do anything to stop us but as you say our approach carries risk but at the same time nothing stops them from going down the same road.

[@zisssssou]

Who are "they" ?

[@michaelcrichton7763]

@zisssssou Stephen Jones, Steve Hasen and all other wingers overseas complaining about the successful and innovative tactics that the Boks have employed in recent times

[@knowmean]

@@michaelcrichton7763 a 3rd world country with no jobs, no economy, no electricity can win 4 RWC in 8 attempts. Imagine how f we had an economy, had jobs, had electricity? We would have 8 rwc trophies. Just think when we win in 2031 also, we will have 6 out of 8 trophies. Ireland still reaching quarters. And Rassie still not recognised. 🇿🇦💚. We will always find away. You just need belief. I do believe, we will win 2027 and 2031. 🇿🇦🇿🇦💚💚

[@patrickchilds2987]

I don’t understand what criticism of the bomb squad by a few rugby pundits has to do with the IRB law changes around the free kick or banning coaches taking the field as waterboys . How are they connected ?

[@DuchalvanWyngaard]

Chuck Norris wears Rassie Erasmus pajamas

[@frontrowrugby]

Hahahaha, brilliant!

[@HaachitiNgandu]

😂😂😂😂

[@andy_olive]

Now one thing about the bomb squad that seems to be missed in most reviews about it is that the essence of it isn’t whether there is a 6 - 2 split or not but that the replacements would (especially in 2019) be players that usually would be starting players, so not just an extra forward but a team of forwards that are just as good, if not better (Marx) than those they go to replace. And they not kept to 5 min at the end of the game but given 35 minutes of proper game time. A 6-2 with inexperienced or aging but experienced players isn’t a bomb squad

[@frontrowrugby]

Excellent points you make their Andy. That's largely it isn't it? You either want your best players in the field at the end or you want guys that come on and do something different and that just causes chaos to the opposition. Kwagga Smith is the best example of that for me. And then in terms of different players I think the best example is Bongi and Malcolm.

[@knowmean]

We should field 2 teams in the 2027 RWC.🇿🇦💚

[@frontrowrugby]

This is the comment of the day! Love it!

[@robertombetta]

It helps when you have a population far greater than any other.

[@frontrowrugby]

@@robertombetta Yes and no. Bangladesh have around 170 million people and they've never won a single medal of any colour at the Olympic Games.

[@knowmean]

@ India have 1.7 billion, SA has 87 million

[@dulajohnstone5704]

😂😂😂the final will probably be between SA . A team and SA .B Team

[@phelansa23]

As a forward, I personally feel that Rassies way is much better for the players. It means that as a player, you are less exposed to injury. I agree 100%, Injuries are more prone to happen to tired players. The tempo of the modern game is such that players struggle to manage their fitness. So, it is either to protect the players by managing their time on the pitch, or, start using banned substances. And DO NOT even try to tell me that international players do not juice.

[@frontrowrugby]

You have hit the nail on the head. The only way to go back is to introduce weight or size limits but that goes against rugby's core principle of being a game for all shapes and sizes. As for the juice, I'll rather not say anything!

[@dreammaker9642]

I mean it’s not a coincidence most of those against are known for being old has been still stuck on the amateur era… wanting less replacement is a brain dead as wanting to let players bash each other in the head so for a chairman to make such a blunder says a lot about the leadership in that old boys club… plus what’s beautiful here is that anyone can do it… on the contrary other teams should be encouraged to do it, sure it’s a bit of a risk when you go up to a 7-1 but a 6-2 is a pretty neat middle ground between the safe bet everyone does and he high risk high reward that is the 7-1. I think one of Rassies biggest strength is identifying when a player is at that fatigue threshold where they give in a little too much.

[@phelansa23]

@ exactly!

[@frontrowrugby]

@@dreammaker9642 You are hitting the nail on the head! Rassie and his team actually keep real-time data so they know when a player has emptied his tank. As you say nothing stops anyone else from doing it. Old Boys Club all the way!

[@lydiapotgieter7867]

I wholeheartedly agree. It extends the playing time of players.

[@mvubu6823]

increasing the bench came directly from requiring specialist front-row replacements for safety. 2 props 1 hooker - no negotiable. So now you are left with 5 players for 12 positions. The next most specialist position is scrumhalf - so that leaves 4 for 11 spots. LOCK is next... especially with how technical lineouts are. that leaves 3 for 10 spots. The most attritional positions are then 6/7/8 - so one of those - 2 for 9 You can ONLY go 6-2 if you have a loose forward who can cover the wing. You can only go 7-1 if you have a 9 who can cover 10 OR a wing that can cover 9. It's not easy to go 7-1 at all. You need very skilled players to make the risk worth it. Cheslin and Kwagga carry that for the boks. Without them, it's much tougher. Replacements have allowed players to add 15-25kg with the knowledge they only have to carry it for half a game. I am not sure that's good for the game.

[@frontrowrugby]

Yes, exactly. You have to now have a full front row on the bench for safety reasons. I appreciate the way you've broken this down. In terms of what you've said about adding weight, I agree that I'm not sure if it's a good thing but what I can say is that there will always be pros and cons to everything.

[@khothatsomoshodi4465]

Thanks!

[@frontrowrugby]

Khothatso, thank you so much!! Merry Christmas!!

[@aboubakarcornelius7296]

SOUR GRAPES. It proves once and for all the SPRINGBOKS are the GOAT. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@frontrowrugby]

Yeah!!

[@rachsmit8122]

The Springoats?

[@petercarlisle5828]

Beaumont is a fool and should rather concern himself with uncovering those French officials who were part of passing envelopes of dollars under the table to IRB officials to change venues of World cup tournaments and leave coaching to those who can coach.

[@frontrowrugby]

Excellent point, Peter!

[@coolbiscuit999]

Precisely Beaumont is a Cassive Munt

[@CasperPelser-st7jw]

They should all just shut up.

[@frontrowrugby]

That's right! Great comment, Casper.

[@PhansiKhongoloza]

Well it makes sense to have more forwards in your "bomb" squad as forwards are bigger and work harder than backline players who tend to stand around doing nothing most of the game. Spoken as a No8 of course 😊

[@frontrowrugby]

Exactly, Phansi! Forwards win you the matches!

[@dreammaker9642]

OK I agree but not with the back lines doing nothing part… everytime your winter contests the ball in the air that’s a pretty big risk of something going wrong… and as the game stands lately air battles are crucial so even more hectic sometimes. Still not as repeated as some of the common forward actions that lead to injury. If your back line are doing nothing then I’m sorry but your team is a bit sht, you must wake em up

[@mrtshepo4216]

I call this technical sports innovation.

[@frontrowrugby]

Love it, Tshepo!

[@miadevries674]

As far as I know all the other teams are free to also select a 7/2 split or whatever split suits their style of play the best and we will not complain about that! I truly think these naysayer should just keep quiet or their opinions to themselves. Rugby is a noble game, so keep your comments about other teams noble as well or say nothing at all!❤

[@frontrowrugby]

You are exactly right, Mia. They can do it too but they choose instead to complain.

[@markthompson7817]

@@frontrowrugbyincorrect, no complaints from the ABs, they thought about it, how could they not nobodies that dumb. And, then, decided to look at the game in a different way, our differences are what makes the game great. As an AB supporter the BOcks may halt the Eden park record next year, I am looking forward to this great battle against our ancient foe.

[@miadevries674]

@@markthompson7817 Mark, I am also a great fan of the AB! They are only going to get better next year and I admire their team spirit! It is always an honour to play against them! I am already nervous for the Eden Park game.

[@TheOriginalGamma]

Great program well presented

[@frontrowrugby]

Thank you very much! I really appreciate that.

[@brucethomson3512]

Watching again abt a month later. Good video...thanx.

[@frontrowrugby]

Great, thanks Bruce!!

[@user-ft2pi2fi4h]

All international teams have the opportunity to build a “ Bombsquad” and no one is stopping them to do so … Personally I think they are just bad losers … when New Zealand was on their “ long winning streak” I cannot remember anyone criticising them the way the boks are being criticised … which I find very sad To me it’s nothing more than jealousy from a couple of pundits

[@frontrowrugby]

Exactly! And then they wonder why we feel they are mostly against us!

[@Mzansi74]

The RFU and the AB are above critcism.

[@frontrowrugby]

@@Mzansi74 Spot on!

[@markmann4392]

Obviously these complainers don't have the same depth of talent. Nothing stopping them from doing something similar.

[@frontrowrugby]

That's exactly right, Mark.

[@83unsui]

I totally agree. 1. I don't see anything unfair or non ethical in the Springboks' innovation. Let's not forget that the choice of putting seven forwards on the bench is a risk they take in case of injuries among the backline players. 2. The health of the players must come first. A tired player loses lucidity, which statistically increases the risk of injury. Rugby has become more and more physically demanding, just look at the number of injuries and compare it to how was rugby twenty or thirty years ago. 3. A greater number of substitutions gives the coach more possibilities to modify the tactics during the match. In addition, it allows more players to play. As a Frenchman, I would like to see the number of players on the bench increased to ten players because we have in France many talented players who would deserve to play. Not necessarily to increase the number of substitutions allowed but to allow the coach to broaden his range of tactical options. That being said, I am aware that such a change would favor rich squads, that is, squads with a large pool of high-level players, to the detriment of squads that do not have such a pool.

[@frontrowrugby]

Exactly right! As you say it's perfectly within the lawbook so what's the problem? Not forgetting we are taking a risk with out lack of backs on the bench. Thanks for the comment. I hope France will win the RWC soon!

[@pashvelloo5465]

Great video, your take on it is spot on! Its all strategy withing legal boundries. They can put their bizzare comments, claims in their pipe and smoke it. Rassie out smarted, out foxed, out played the World! Losing can leaveba sour tasted in their mouths😅, but thats healthy hopwfully they can improve themselves and be worthy opponents

[@frontrowrugby]

Thank you, Pash. Looking forward to facing the All Blacks in New Zealand twice next year!

[@pashvelloo5465]

@frontrowrugby pleasure, indeed we do, cant wait for that clash😁

[@jayperie2337]

I'm curious to know if they would be as vocal if it WSS a team other than the Boks successfully using the tactic.

[@frontrowrugby]

I highly doubt it!

[@dreammaker9642]

If france won a single game using a 7-1 they’d give Gathier the coach of the year award lol

[@frontrowrugby]

@@dreammaker9642 Hahaha, you know it!

[@justjanse4286]

Just to show, Rassie is in their heads. Flippen zombies.....

[@frontrowrugby]

Love it!!

[@geoffallen2835]

I'm a Bokke fan, but as good as we are, we are beatable. France, Ireland and NZ have well oiled backlines, where SA often look very disjointed. Our defence is good, until it isn't. And "isn't" is about a 50% of the time. I am amazed that the opposition don't score more when their backline is on the offensives and our backs are clearly scrabbling to try shut off a massive overlap that they couldn't see coming. I would give an A+ to our forwards but a B to our backs. That said, I think we have some amazing talent in the backs, we just need them to become as flexible and coordinated as the teams mentioned above.

[@frontrowrugby]

Hey Geoff. Yes, of course we are beatable. No team is invincible. I don't share your concerns about our defence though. I'll give you two reasons: One, our defensive system is actually nicknamed "The Scramble Defence" so even though it might not look good on the eye, the boys know exactly what they are doing. The coaches have designed it that way. Two, with the clear emphasis on attack this year it was inevitable that other areas would take a little bit of a backseat or some time to get used to things. In this regard it's more the transition into defence from turnovers that I would say is the key area that needs to be worked on. Having said that we're complaining about a team that has won 21 out of 24 Tests and holds every available trophy so not a bad position to be in at all!

[@Potemkin2000]

I think deep down we know this is a golden era and at some point it will come to an end .. either no more money, Rassie's replacement might not be as good... Whatever.... Lets just enjoy it, and learn as much as we can for the future

[@frontrowrugby]

Yes, no doubt this is a very special time in our rugby but I also believe this is the first time it appears as if there are proper systems in place and planning for the future so that when these great players retire there will be a good chance we can maintain our success - maybe not to the same levels, but at least continue to be very strong. So many times in the past we have had a great side but it was derailed very easily.

[@henrykempen9528]

I agree with Whitey. If a team from the Northern Hemisphere had a done a "Rassie" they would have been tjoepstil. I believe that the whole rugby world is "working" towards the Boks not winning the World Cup for the third time , they are obsessive about it. Talk about hate !!

[@frontrowrugby]

Everything they do and say indicates as much, Henry. As you say there's no reason they can't do the same thing.

[@Sabundy]

South Africans have to always remember that the reality is that World Rugby has always low key hated South African rugby for a variety of reasons. Im not going to get into those reasons (some being very political imho), but there is plenty of evidence to prove it. And thus given that reality we must always take anything the world rugby establishment says with a large dose of salt. Amd certainly dont allow it to bother us in any way. We are the most rugby mad nation on earth. Certainly the largest population rugby mad country. Our contribution to the sport is without question. And Im not even talking about the four world cup wins.

[@frontrowrugby]

I agree with you. You look at the behaviour patterns, the remarks they make and the decisions they take and there's definitely something there.

[@Mzansi74]

Billy Beaumont still has sour grapes from the 1980 Lions Tour!

[@frontrowrugby]

Hahaha, you're not the first one that has said this.

[@sikhothomas4746]

I think the reason why New Zealand are in a bit of rough spot, is because they are too focused on trying to disadvantage other teams instead of improving their own team.

[@frontrowrugby]

Yip, they should focus on improving their own flaws.

[@xolanimagadla]

Good video man

[@frontrowrugby]

Thank you so much, Xolani. Really appreciate it.

[@kakpraat18]

It all depends on your age perspective. South Africa got absolutely hammered during the Eighties uptil their first World cup ,then a small purple patch ,then we got hammered again and so on. No matter what people's opinion has been the Springboks have still managed to win four world cups. If they win a few more or not it doesn't really matter because you cannot scrap the four wins. Our hearts have already been won ,now is the time to use our heads for a better future.

[@frontrowrugby]

That's the big thing I think. We seem to be great at World Cups (most of the time) but in between we're not always on song. We'd all love to see that fixed.

[@AndrewPietersen-gu4rd]

So why then don't they do the same and stop complaining .......

[@frontrowrugby]

Exactly, Andrew! First with the excuses!

[@WaferBrik]

I'm a Kiwi and I don't hate the bomb squad. How many backs and forwards are chosen for the bench is up to the team coach, nobody else. There's nothing to stop a coach naming 27 forwards in a match-day squad, or 27 backs for that matter, or any combination of backs and forwards. You choose your squad how you want, the opposition choose theirs how they want. End of.

[@frontrowrugby]

Thanks for that! As you say it is each coach's prerogative to select the match day squad he believes is best equipped to secure a victory on the day. But some people just love to moan. Appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment!

[@sidknee4975]

I remember when they changed drop goals from two points to three points because Northern Hemisphere nations couldn’t score tries. I think the very next match between France and New Zealand the French made 5 or six attempts.

[@frontrowrugby]

Now we are going back in time!

[@ridwanw]

Rassie is in their heads

[@frontrowrugby]

For sure!!

[@greggooding6675]

I completely agree with you that some of the negative reactions are due to jealousy at the depth of forwards South Africa has at the Moment.

[@frontrowrugby]

Thanks Greg! Appreciate the comment.

[@budibausto]

Rassie is a genius and and an innovator, the critics are middle age inquisitors

[@frontrowrugby]

Haha, love it!

[@callmenovac]

Agree with your views. We play within the rules. Laws or rugby allow for this - why don't the rest of the countries catch with us for a change?

[@frontrowrugby]

Thank you very much, Novac. That's exactly it, they are welcome to also employ this stratgey.

[@josecastel7163]

Because depth matters and no1 has depth like the BOKS

[@billrayner8611]

It’s no surprise most negative comments come from the northern hemisphere. When you live here, one is constantly bombarded with “ Ireland is the best team in the world. “ Southern hemisphere rugby continues to dominate as champions. Rassie is the genius of strategy. Go Bokke.

[@frontrowrugby]

Haha, you've hit the nail on the head, Bill. It's like they refuse to recognise anything outside of their own sphere. And that might be why the European teams have won one out of ten World Cups!

[@WalterChitja]

Honestly! I think they are jealous, it's comments like these that make me cringe, infact I feel embarrassed at times if men like Steve Henson lack the wisdom or even professional insight to actual go right ahead and learn from the innovative boks since they are bending every rule they want. I think it's disgraceful and I take offense at the fact that these people let the all blacks end being in this condition, the lack of depth their squad.

[@frontrowrugby]

Well said, Walter!!

[@normanmcdermid1951]

What Hansen said about the big men is quite suspicious. Take you a bet he will give instruction for the big men to be injured.

[@frontrowrugby]

I agree with you, Norman. Very, very suspicious!

[@petrusclaassen4353]

Sour grapes. All Blacks don’t lose graciously . They once were the team that the Boks are now. This moment shall pass too. Winners become losers. And nothing motivates as much as losing. There are 3 freakishly talented Boks in the team. Eben, Cheslin and Pieter-Steph. They are all geniuses. And all played at the same time at their top level. When the Aussies had Gel McGrath, Shane Warn and Adam Gillcrest in the same international cricket squad . All three were freaks of nature . And they dominated world cricket. I believe the Springboks are in the same position now. Let’s enjoy it while it lasts.

[@frontrowrugby]

I agree with you, Petrus. They have this thing of being gentlemen but at the end of the day, a few defeats prove they are just like everyone else! You are right we have some freakishly talented players and it's a very exciting time to be a Springbok supporter. Yes, it won't last forever but I think for the first time we actually have systems in place and there is planning for the future so that should help us remain strong. So many times in the past we had a great side and it seemed like someone just had to sneeze to bring the entire house crashing down.

[@phumlanengwane5902]

Why not have your own bomb squad 😂

[@frontrowrugby]

Precisely!

[@thanyitimothyraphalalani9960]

Do you use the same cyan jersey every time, or do you have more than one?

[@petervanzyl518]

Eeeeiisshhhhh!

[@frontrowrugby]

Hahaha! Let's just say it's my uniform and I am well stocked for what I need in terms of the brand I'm going for. But ... I'm going to change it up in the new year! Stand by for that.

[@dreammaker9642]

Should wear an Irish shirt to troll us in an episode 😂 it would be funny

[@hannesventer3054]

My two cents on the matter is i know why they are so up in arms about the “Bomb Squad” is cause they havnt thought of the idea themselves …..Go Rassie!!!

[@evilelmo1218]

Lol 🤣 proudly south African 💪🏾💕

[@frontrowrugby]

Oh yes!!

[@alexanderjermaineabrahams1615]

I saw some stats that said 80% of the Time the Springboks are actually lighter by 10% than other teams. we not as "big" as people think we are. Dont know how through that is. but the springboks have that DOG in them. "Not the size of the dog in the fight. But the Size of the Fight in the DOG" mentality

[@frontrowrugby]

That's incredible. Now that you mention it, I've certainly seen a few times that the size of an opposition pack has been bigger than our own from time to time. Maybe this could be a topic for a future video!

[@alexanderjermaineabrahams1615]

@@frontrowrugby because if we are smaller than than the argument that our bomb squad is dangerous is false.

[@frontrowrugby]

Spot on!

[@tonygassner5406]

Some are magnanimous when their team is on top, reversing the use of the word and when its not so, the whining starts but not so with the boks and those big hearted Pacific Islanders and the Scots. Others have coined the ethic: "its not the winning that counts, its the way you play the game."

[@markthompson7817]

Kiwi here, I don’t hate the bomb squad I admire it. It is both a risky strategy and a winning formula. It makes the game even more interesting. However, I would prefer to see more fatigued players, it is when players are fatigued that gaps appear, tackles are missed and play opens up. I would prefer four subs only but to be able to bring them back on, combined with much less stopping of the clock. If a player is injured they can be taken, of, if they are found to be OK or just need some strapping or a massage they can then be brought back on. If then sometimes subs had to play out of position that makes it even more interesting. You would need one or two of your props to be able to play both sides of the scrum (there are international players that can already do this) and or hooker. If you need a stop for water, sub on and off. Off course subs would only be able to take place at restarts and it such a way that they don’t slow the restart down, nothing wrong with expecting guys to run into position.

[@frontrowrugby]

Hi Mark! Firstly thank you for leaving a comment, appreciate it. Yes as you say it is a risky strategy which is why most teams don't do it. Eddie Jones also made the point you're making about more fatigued players resulting in gaps and the game opens up. I'll just again reference World Rugby's own research into player welfare that more substitutions equals fewer injuries or put another way, those same fatigued players at the end are more susceptible to injury. With that in mind I cannot see them going back especially because of their current obsession with player welfare, especially the head injuries. I think they're terrified of a NFL-style lawsuit.

[@markthompson7817]

@ good point on the injuries, is there a breakdown on this data backs vs forwards? There may be a sweet spot, tired forwards bad, tired backs good?

[@ashensivnarain7221]

Not reaeing, guessing youre nice

[@frontrowrugby]

@@markthompson7817 I am not aware of such but I think we can safely say the forwards would be considerably more tired than the backs.

[@gabrielkaplan5996]

I feel like if some coaches ( current) spent less time whining about bok success and more time developing plays and players they wouldn't have to resort to petty insults

[@frontrowrugby]

I like the way you are thinking, Gabriel!

[@yahyaputra7592]

7-1 is just brilliant. It will make Rugby even more attractive.

[@chrisvanreenen6343]

They're all jealous!

[@frontrowrugby]

They are, Chris!

[@simonbowen1]

I think we should introduce a bench of 3 replacement referees.

[@2wheelsondirt766]

bring on the 9 replacements rule, we got so much depth

[@frontrowrugby]

If they expand it, that's the way it will go. I can't see it going any other way. Then we'll go 8-1! Can you imagine the heart attacks from our "friends"?

[@subhuman119]

So much depth? Is that why all the South African teams got absolutely pumped this weekend? If South Africa have the depth they claim to have, then their teams wouldn't have gotted hammered over the weekend. So much depth? Is that why South Africa U20's got demolished this year? Where is this depth South Africa fans keep talking about.

[@ricardocarvalho1290]

FORZZA BOKKE!!! 😁😁😁😁😁

[@frontrowrugby]

Yeah!!

[@brucethomson3512]

51 different Springboks recently..... only abt one reliable place kicker tho.....not good when the games are close 😊 Sometimes not enuff depth in the right places

[@frontrowrugby]

I think when we settle with Handre and Sacha the goalkicking will be less problematic.

[@brucethomson3512]

​@@frontrowrugby Can still hopefully hv more coming thru tho. As good as Handre is..... I'm not too sure but I think his average (place kicks) hv slipped down a bit tho. Maybe u know the stats better 😊

[@m.t.1187]

They should all just shut up!!

[@frontrowrugby]

Yes!!!

[@graemedalrymple196]

i think everyone is entitled to their opions as long as they do not insult. If world rugby do not want the bomb squard they must change the rules not ask South Africa to change their tactics.

[@frontrowrugby]

Well said, Graeme..

[@erhardize]

The Bomb Squad is not unethical because we are doing everything within the rules of the IRB. so how can it be unethical ? I think it is a fair comment to say that overseas countries are jealous of what we have achieved. Rassie is clever in the way he thinks about rugby. He is different, because for them South Africa has always been a team that depends on strength, and they used to mock us. Now somebody comes along, Rassie, and we are playing clever rugby, and it is catching them offside. Have you noticed how the IRB keeps on changing their own laws when it suits them ? We are still paying for it with their nasty remarks and comments. In 1995 we beat the All Blacks against all odds. Andre Joubert used to kick the ball over the deadball line, forcing the All Blacks to kick off from their goal line. That gave South Africa the territorial advantage in the game, leading us to win the world cup. Right after that the IRB changed the law so that if you would kick the ball directly over the dead ball line , u had a scrum from where the ball was kicked !! See what i mean ? Other countries can also apply our bomb squad idea, but the problem is they do not have the same quality of players in their reserves that we have !

[@frontrowrugby]

Thank you so much for the comment! You are exactly right. They don't know what to do about Rassie. It's so annoying that they change the laws every six months but Rassie is always one step ahead of them. Nice memory on Andre Joubert's tactic! Very clever move by us actually. And as you say other teams are more than welcome to also play a bomb squad but they don't. So how is that our fault?

[@Mzansi74]

What does ethics have anything to do with this? There are rules. You devise a strategy. You follow the rules. You play the game. If subs should only be for injuries, then change the rules back to what it was.

[@frontrowrugby]

Exactly! Who is Matt Williams to tell us what is or isn't ethical? Everything we're doing is within the laws of the sport. It's just self-righteous nonsense.

[@johanstruwig3815]

Rugby does not have rules. It is called the laws of rugby. Don't ask me why. 🤔🤔🤔

[@Mzansi74]

@johanstruwig3815 True!

[@shadowwarrior4488]

the thumbnail.....Ragnar Vibes!

[@frontrowrugby]

Hahaha, yes! Appreciate someone showing some love for the thumbnail. A lot of work goes into it!

[@Linda_D]

They should all just shut up😁 The only comment I agree with is that we are beatable, we need to stay humble and never get complacent or comfortable. The rest of them can keep crying😂

[@mrjakesh1]

The next team that has a lot of fast players in their team must then also be limited and forced to use slower players in their team.

[@leoncolwin8645]

Steven Hansen has a point. And that point is on the tip of his head.

[@frontrowrugby]

Hahahaha, very good Leon!

[@Spencer-z6k]

It's genius and everyone else is jealous of it, I'm ABs but I don't have a problem because our game is based on speed and skill, if others want to make a bomb squad than good luck and if they don't than just shut up ay......🇳🇿🏈

[@frontrowrugby]

Appreciate that, Spencer. Always nice to have one of our Kiwi friends engaging with my channel - even though I am perfectly aware that the content here is not really up your alley. Cheers for the comment!

[@johnhanson5943]

Doesn’t matter. We‘ll win either way. My only comment is we had once too little rugby - and now we have too much. Far too much. There is a concept called intelligent balance in all things. Remember it?

[@frontrowrugby]

I agree with you John. We need some kind of balance. Hopefully sooner rather than later.

[@patrickparsons3528]

Most rugby playing nations have sufficient players to make up 1 or 2 national teams, their problem is not the number of players, their problem is that the rugby management haven't taken the trouble to develop depth in their national sport. This makes the likes of Hansen, Beaumont and Williams nay sayers only because it exposes their short comings.

[@frontrowrugby]

Excellent observation, Patrick. It just comes across as sour grapes, doesn't it?

[@andrewmuir3302]

There's a couple bad apples who like to say controversial things in order to remain relevant. Aside from that I honestly don't think anyone cares one way or the other.

[@frontrowrugby]

Yes, I think you're right, Andrew. I'd say the issue is largely that the comments (in this case at least) stem from some very high-profile men in rugby. It's actually very disappointing.

[@mikew8557]

Apologies for Matt Williams he does not speak for most Aussies. His sentiments clearly come from the position of mediocrity which is unAustralian, we prefer to rise to the occasion rather than show weakness. IMHO the Bomb squad tactic will eventually be used by other teams, they may just not be there yet and that's their issue. Challenging the ethics of using your bench for advantage is like challenging a servo for using the counter to promote something other than just lollies. It's their counter FFS

[@frontrowrugby]

Cheers, Mike. I have no doubt. Having watched and enjoyed (and sometimes not enjoyed) South Africa v Australia matches (not just in rugby) since the early 90s I know it's always a great contest and we have much in common. But there's always that one guy, isn't there?

[@MoKobe-fs3vu]

Jealousy makes you nasty

[@frontrowrugby]

It certainly does!

[@elbretmike]

We are the best in the world and they are just jealous,we reinvent,couch russy has evolutinized the sport in our country,our depth is like no other . It's wide net pool of talent extraction from all over country has made us sustain the progression of the game of rugby.this sport has made every kid wether black, white,coloured and India that the SA rugby team has made dreamer makers of our children that they can make it turn that those dreams into reality.boker

[@frontrowrugby]

Well said!!

[@jovanblom7742]

Use the rules against the rules...

[@jovanblom7742]

Thanks for soliciting until later...

[@totallylegit4092]

The question I have is this. If this strategy is so “overpowered”, why has nobody else been able to replicate it? Maybe that’s why they are complaining?

[@frontrowrugby]

There are some teams that have tried to replicate it in domestic and international rugby with varying degrees of success. Glasgow Warriors for example have been very successful. England have tried it and the All Blacks tried a variation of it by putting Beauden Barrett on the bench. The thing is you have to firstly have the quality in depth to do it, so that arguably makes it easier to implement in club/franchise rugby. But you also need to time it correctly. In that sense Rassie is a genius.

[@totallylegit4092]

@@frontrowrugby which was the point I was trying to make subtly. It isn't the Bomb Squad that is providing the victories. If having a Bob Squad was all it took to win a world cup, then everyone would do it. So instead of admitting that they are beaten on a different level, they claim it is the Bomb Squad when in fact it is a multitude of factors. It is that ego thing of being unable to admit someone is better than you. I see it in business all the time. 5 Years ago someone beat me and made my business irrelevant almost. I knew he was better than me, so I went back to the drawing board, redid almost everything and now I am just about to be back on top again. But if you can't admit you lost because the other side is better than you, you can't do what is needed to beat them. But...I can be wrong and just be an idiot. That possibility always remains 😀

[@benvandermerwe4934]

Two reseves in past. Hooker and a scrum half. Hooker had to play prop and loosie.

[@frontrowrugby]

Yes, that's going even further back! Long time ago now!

[@johanstruwig3815]

Before the 7 reserves regime, there were only 5 reserves, and a reserve could only be used if a player was injured and had to leave the field. There were no tactical replacements as we have now.

[@BruceHills-v1h]

This says all. We have 4 srumhalfs. Faf, But the best of all is Grant Williams

[@frontrowrugby]

Very scary for our opponents!

[@frontrowrugby]

Very scary for our opponents!

[@toscabrutus1781]

Goeie Bespreking!

[@frontrowrugby]

Baie dankie!!

[@MikeMoss-z8z]

Just sour grapes from those who can’t stand to be beaten by a better team

[@frontrowrugby]

I agree, Mike!

[@paraweir]

As soon as anyone gets a great idea, the rest complain that it's unfair. How can anything be unfair, if it's not specifically stated as being against the rules? It's just a good idea that worked. Now imagine if it didn't work? What would they have said then...

[@frontrowrugby]

Precisely. Well said.

[@Erenkini]

If the bomb squad was an idea implemented by the All Blacks, Ireland or England, they would have called it genius and revolutionary. They just can’t give credit where credit is due.

[@frontrowrugby]

I agree. They hate that they didn't come up with the idea.

[@LeeRamsunder]

We can just change the name to silence the critic's.

[@frontrowrugby]

This is an excellent idea!

[@josecastel7163]

6:40 this guy mentioned needs to visit SA

[@subhuman119]

The Bomb Squad doesn't have everyone furious and for one simple reason. Contrary to popular belief, the tactic of the 7-1 bench split doesnt work, and I'm probably going to get a lot hate for this post, but meh. First time we saw it was against New Zealand at Twickenham, where the Springboks put a record score on the All Blacks. It falsely worked in that game, because New Zealand played with 14 men for 60 minutes, they also had their starting prop (Tyrell Lomax) be taken off the field due to a freak injury in the first 10 minutes. Regardless, South Africa should have always won that game comfortably due to a numerical advantage. Second time we saw it was against Ireland in the pool game... Ireland won, and the Springbok reserves did nothing to impact that game at any stage. Third time we saw it was against New Zealand in the RWC final, once again, New Zealand were down to 14men for 60, and the Springboks barely held on for a one point victory. Yes Bongi went off early in the game, but with 6 forwards still on the bench, once again, there was no impact once they came on. Then we saw it recently during the Autum series against a lower ranked team, which the Springboks were expected to win (Only to go to a 5-3 split the week after), apologies but I can't remember who it was against.. Scotland? Sorry South Africa fans, but the tactic of the 7-1 is no where near as good as it's made out to be.

[@YoungKidT]

Love your wife's mind 😂😂😂

[@frontrowrugby]

Hahaha, yes!

[@mattvisser9220]

We could be 10th in the world. The world has always hated our style of rugby. And as Dricus stated it. Hulle weet nie wat ons weet. Dr Rassie has a nation behind him. Think he'll always come up with something to anger the rugby critics.

[@frontrowrugby]

I agree with you, Matt. It really is us against them! Dr Rassie always has a plan!

[@EddieHolderSNR-f7y]

For sure niew zeeland wull di anything ti beat us 9 forwards okay

[@frontrowrugby]

Haha, you can see this coming!

[@jameslivingstone7428]

Really have to wonder how it is unethical to use the rules to your advantage. Losers like these will make any excuse for their poor performances. Some of these people are just making excuses and are hangry that they did not see it 1st and know they cannot emmulate it

[@briangovender7435]

They are all complaining cause there country can't win it and looking for problems

[@frontrowrugby]

You are quite right, Brian!

[@dreammaker9642]

They are just the classic old has been still stuck in the industrial revolution

[@DarrylMyburgh]

They are so jealous .Or they it is sour grapes with Steve Hansen

[@frontrowrugby]

That's right, Darryl!

[@ebrahiemdaniels6491]

Hansen, Williams and Beaumont should change their underwear regularly due to sour grapes instead of campaigning to change substitute law.

[@frontrowrugby]

Hahaha, yes!

[@chiefgl1161]

People used to respect what Hansen said in the past. Times have changed. Boks are beatable sure. The least beatable of all😂💚

[@frontrowrugby]

Love it!! Well said.

[@dimitriazevedo5798]

No country has the depth and talent pool like South Africa! Except Zimbabwe of course 😂

[@frontrowrugby]

Haha, very good. I hope the Sables will qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

[@malcolmsansom7660]

Zimbabwe has the most talented pool of thieves. 😂

[@cawittstock1871]

I think we shouldn't get too cocky.

[@frontrowrugby]

I don't think we are.

[@94083122]

A lot of sour grapes.

[@frontrowrugby]

I agree!

[@trevormaluleke7485]

Nobody said they should not have their own Bomb Squad

[@frontrowrugby]

That's the thing, Trevor. They can do it too but instead they moan about us. Thanks for leaving a comment! Appreciate it.

[@Enoch940]

They must come watch next Sprinboks game with us in Hillbrow , we teach them the true meaning of the word hate. We all put big screen in street and 3000 or so bring chairs. We scream bokke. Even all black suporter from CT scream Bokke. Nobody and i mean nobody allowed to scream for other team. We dont care about your constitutional rights , only ours .😊

[@jacobtack2258]

It is sour grapes

[@frontrowrugby]

I think so too, Jacob.