When South Africa broke out the 7-1 split in their last warmup game before the World Cup against New Zealand it raised many eyebrows. The tactic is very high risk as if you lose a couple backs through injury, you're playing forwards out of position in the backline and could be exposed.
Many thought the warmup match was just a chance to test it but no one really thought they would break it out in the World Cup. However they did just that when they named their team to play Ireland in the group stages when Cobus Reinach was the only recognised back on the bench. It was something that the South African coaching ticket had put a lot of thought into and built the right squad for it.
It was a call which split opinions. Some called it a good piece of tactical innovation, playing the cards you're dealt with while others like Matt Williams called the split "not morally correct" and against the spirit of the game. As you can imagine this debate didn't bother Rassie and his team.
Rassie Erasmus Credits Jean Kleyn As the Final Part To 7-1 Split
In a social media exclusive from Chasing The Sun Rassie Erasmus spoke about his rationale behind the 7-1 split. Erasmus has said in the past that he wants to have his best players on the pitch at all times and he's no different here.
The former Munster head coach admitted he always wanted to try the 7-1 split out but never had the squad to make it possible. However, it was a former Ireland International he coached during his time in Limerick that made it all possible.
If you want your best 23 on the field and 15 of them are forwards, then put them on, find a way. It's not against the laws of the game and you know and if you have the quality forwards we have where the one that comes off, you can't tell the difference with the one that comes on.
A slow tired back can still tackle someone because he is fit and fast and agile. But a slow, tired forwards gets beaten much easier. So first of all I always wanted to do it and eventually I had the squad, once Jean Kleyn came in, to be able to do it.
🗣️ @jacnienaber “PSDT can play wing any day.”
Great insight again into the 7-1 split, Jean Kleyn the man that made it possible! 🇿🇦pic.twitter.com/PsAnXYpI52
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) April 4, 2024
It may not have worked against Ireland but they went back to the 7-1 split in the World Cup final, again with Rassie Erasmus selecting Jean Kleyn on the bench to make it happen as they became back-to-back champions.
To think that if it wasn't for Jean Kleyn we could never have seen the ambitious tactic broken out.
SEE ALSO: 'You're F**king Clowns' Rassie Erasmus Tore Into Springboks After Ireland loss
