Former Ireland hooker Bernard Jackman has leapt to the defence of the Springboks, who have received criticism for fielding a bench which contained mostly forwards.
Ex-Scotland boss Matt Williams was scathing over the Boks, who decided to have seven forwards among the replacements for last Friday’s clash against the All Blacks.
Williams stated it was ‘against the spirit of the game’ and that South Africa were ‘abusing the bench’.
However, plenty have backed the defending world champions, with Jackman one of those to praise the “creativity” of director of rugby Rassie Erasmus and head coach Jacques Nienaber.
“Absolute nonsense”
“I loved the little bit of creativity by Rassie, although there’s an inherent risk to it. But we shouldn’t be talking about changing the rules or player safety – I think that’s absolute nonsense,” he said on the RTE Rugby podcast
“It’s sour grapes and it sounds like you’re scared. Just do what you do well and try and beat them.
“I personally believe that we should be lauding coaches who are taking risks or being creative.
“Obviously they have a profile of player that a lot of us don’t have, and a lot of countries would be afraid to go 6-2, because it doesn’t suit the profile of players they have.
“They should be allowed, and encouraged to play it.”
South Africa are one of Ireland’s opponents in Pool B and Jackman doesn’t expect to see the same tactic in a big Rugby World Cup match.
“I would love to play South Africa if they went 7-1 against Ireland. I don’t think they will as there’s a massive risk to that,” he said.
“It (the decision to go 7-1) happened at the last minute and I don’t know if Rassie would do it against New Zealand or France in the quarter-final, or Ireland in a pool game.
“Not so along ago, there was a debate about whether it was crazy to go 6-2, and it backfires if there are injuries early (in the game).”
Should the Boks decide to go with the 7-1, however, Jackman believes that they are helped by having Kwagga Smith in the squad, who has the athleticism and skill set to play in the backline.
“I know Kwagga has played 140/150 games of sevens, and he could play at centre or on the wing. France also have Macalou, who can play seven or winger etc, and fair play to them,” he said.
“The hybrid player increases the multi-skilled player’s opportunity to play at the highest level for their country.”
How to beat the Boks
South Africa were ominously good in their final match before the start of the World Cup as they thrashed New Zealand 35-7 at Twickenham.
Nienaber’s men are evidently in a good place to defend the title they won in 2019, but Jackman believes that the Boks could be vulnerable if they are forced to chase the game.
The Springboks were able to control Friday’s encounter in the first half and it made it very difficult for the All Blacks to mount a comeback, but that could be reversed if the opposition can strike early.
“If the Boks get ahead of you, it’s very hard to pin them back, but a little bit like Leicester in the Premiership under (Steve) Borthwick, if you get ahead of them, they then have to open up a little bit and they’re not anywhere near as good,” he added.
© Planet Rugby