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Erasmus vs. Williams: Rassie Hits Back at Injury Claims Over Bomb Squad

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Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has taken aim at Australian rugby pundit Matt Williams after the former Scotland and Waratahs coach suggested the Springboks’ tactical use of their bench could be linked to Steven Kitshoff’s neck injury.

Williams reignited criticism of South Africa’s famed Bomb Squad approach during a recent podcast appearance, questioning the long-term health impact of loading the bench with forwards and the physical toll it places on players in scrums.

Williams links Kitshoff’s injury to Springbok tactics

Speaking on the DSPN with Martin Devlin podcast, Williams repeated concerns over the six-two and seven-one bench splits South Africa has used in recent Rugby World Cup triumphs, questioning whether this strategy could lead to serious injuries.

“What about Kitshoff, what happened to his spine in South Africa?” asked Williams. “Do we know if that is as a result of the scrummaging they are put through?”

He also claimed that no other rugby nation, outside of France, openly supports the Bomb Squad strategy, even though it’s proven effective.

“I get it, it works. France against Ireland, it absolutely works,” he said. “But what does that do to our game? All the old forwards tell me, ‘You’re right’ – except for South Africans because it works for them.”

Also Read: Springboks Hit by Injuries – Is It Time for a Ruan Ackermann Recall?

Erasmus doesn’t hold back: ‘No, you don’t’

Erasmus wasn’t willing to let the comment slide. On Wednesday evening, he posted a screenshot of Williams’ quote and fired back on social media: “Nee wat!! How can a 6/2 or 7/1 split contribute to Kitchie’s injury? ‘Do we know’ – No, you don’t.”

His firm rebuttal follows increasing defence of the Bomb Squad strategy by the rugby community, particularly after World Rugby publicly cleared the tactic from a safety standpoint.

Also Read: Steven Kitshoff’s Emotional Retirement: A Rugby Career That Inspired Generations

World Rugby backs Bomb Squad approach

World Rugby recently confirmed there was no evidence to suggest that bringing fresh forwards on late in games increases the risk of injury. CEO Alan Gilpin told The Guardian that the governing body reviewed the substitution tactic through a scientific and medical lens.

“Was there a distinctive view that a bunch of fresh players coming on with 20-30 minutes to go is going to create a more injurious position? The science said that’s not the case,” Gilpin said.

Erasmus welcomed this endorsement with a cheerful post reading “So lekka” alongside South African and French flag emojis.

While Williams says he remains a “lone voice” on the issue, Erasmus and World Rugby appear firmly united in their support of South Africa’s game-changing bench strategy.

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Sourced:IOL

Picture: Planet Rugby