South Africa's decision to opt for a 7-1 bench split in Saturday's World Cup clash with Ireland, has been the talk of the social media and punditry town this week.
The unorthodox method worked a treat in their warm-up hammering of the All Blacks, but it does come with a huge risk as it would result in forwards stepping into the backline if there were injuries.
Most commenters welcome the innovation from South Africa, although it has had its detractors, including those who have questioned the 'morals' of the move.
On RTE's build-up to tonight's clash between France and Namibia, Bernard Jackman discussed the bench split, and called out said detractors.
It's 23 Irishmen against 23 South Africans, it's as simple as that.
I think it's brilliant the way they're being creative, they're trying to play to their strengths. It's a risk and we [Ireland] should be embracing that.
I think the team are. I know from speaking to some of the team after they did it against New Zealand, they were like 'ye if they do that against us, it's advantage us', because there's an inherent risk with it. It will cost them some day and hopefully it's on Saturday.
But to give out about it and talk about it not being within the morals of the game I think is nonsense. I think it's someone looking for clicks.
Bernard Jackman Gives His Take On South Africas's 7-1 Bench Split For Ireland Game
'People think you have to go around it but the best thing is to go through it' - @bernardjackman examines how Ireland might attack South Africa's blitz defence on Saturday
📺 Watch France v Namibia live on @rte2 and @RTEplayer https://t.co/CStwnXf2cB pic.twitter.com/CAAq94qzKV— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) September 21, 2023
"Is it legal? Yes.
"Is it smart rugby? Yes.
"Is it good tactics? Yes.
"But it is not morally correct!"Matt Williams outlines why he is against South Africa naming a 7-1 split on their bench against Ireland.#RSAvIRE | #RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/PSV2QQ41LK
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) September 20, 2023
READ HERE: Matt Williams Launches Incredible Rant On The Dangers Of Controversial South Africa Move
Virgin Media Sport's Matt Williams has been the biggest critic of the 7-1 split, and once again launched a bizarre attack on a decision that is wholly within the rules of the game.
"Why am I saying I am totally against this South Africa bench?," he said after South Africa's team announcement.
"Is it legal? Yes. Is it smart rugby for the World Cup? I've got to say yes. Is it good tactics? Yes. But it is not morally correct.
"What I'm saying is that if lower levels of the game copy the Springboks, and they will, there are props playing second-rowers in lower levels of the game. If they are fatigued and the opposition bring on seven fresh forwards and they go for a scrum later on in the game knowing they could get a penalty and win the game, those guys' spines are in danger."
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