All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has given his view on the ‘Bomb Squad’ with the controversial bench tactic continuing to cause much debate in the game.
The trend was started by the Springboks, who initially used a split of six forwards and two backs during their 2019 Rugby World Cup triumph before going 7-1 four years later.
Since then, France have copied that tactic, going for a 7-1 split in three consecutive Six Nations matches as they claimed the title.
It paid dividends in the games against Italy, Ireland and Scotland, securing dominant 73-24, 42-27 and 35-16 triumphs respectively.
In those matches, Fabien Galthie made the changes early in the second period and it paid off as they lifted the trophy.
A few that are against the ‘Bomb Squad’
Some, including Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend, have voiced their displeasure over the ability to effectively replace a whole pack of forwards, but Robertson believes that South Africa and France are within their rights to use it.
“It’s in the laws. The first thing to be clear is, ‘is it alright?’ Well, it’s right because it’s in the laws, so you can do it,” he told the Rugby Direct podcast.
“The way teams play, especially now, and the fatigue that comes in the games – the impacts and the contacts that forwards have are so high – so they’ve got an immediate effect on the game.
“Especially after half-time, when you can bring on an extra loose forward, it makes a massive difference.
“You look at it, we’ve considered it ourselves, but we believed it wasn’t quite right for us, but it’s working and they’re innovative. You’ve got to keep an eye on that trend so it’s definitely an option.”
The All Blacks could well face the 7-1 split a few times this year with a three-Test series against France before a double-header versus the Springboks in the Rugby Championship.
Those South Africa clashes are much-anticipated but particularly the encounter at Eden Park where New Zealand will put their incredible record at the Auckland ground on the line having not lost there since 1994.
“It’s a great opportunity. It’s on the line isn’t it? Those are the ones you want to play in, those are the ones everyone gets excited about,” Robertson added.
Big 2025
It is another big year for the All Blacks and their head coach, who will look to build on the improvement shown at the end of 2024.
New Zealand endured a mixed year, losing the Rugby Championship title they had held since 2020, but there were promising signs on the end-of-year tour.
The ultimate target is the 2027 Rugby World Cup but Robertson also knows that All Blacks fans expect the team to win most games leading into the global tournament.
“You look at ’27 because you have to… [but] there’s no development time for me. It’s one of the only teams in world rugby where you both win and develop. I learned that through the U20s,” he said.
“You have to have that balance of the two and that’s a real art, that’s a real skill – giving guys opportunities but having to win the Test match in front of you.
“The season last year, there was a balance of the two. We had 10 debutants last year, if we have four or five over the next two years, you start to solidify your group.
“There are always bolters, always opportunities. I want to make that clear so I don’t shut any doors, but then you build the cohesion and understanding.
“Teams have to go through tough tours and tough Tests, build relationships and cohesion so they know how to win together.”
Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/scott-robertson-issues-clear-message-to-springboks-and-france-over-controversial-bomb-squad-as-all-blacks-boss-makes-interesting-admission
