Former Scotland coach Mat Williams has criticized the Springboks’ tactics regarding the use of the “Bomb Squad,” but Rassie Erasmus remains unfazed.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has responded to Mat Williams’ criticism of the Bomb Squad following their 27-20 victory over Ireland in Pretoria. Williams, a former Australian rugby player, was displeased with the team’s 6-2 split between forwards and backs.
In a media briefing on Tuesday, Erasmus defended the Bomb Squad, stating there is nothing dangerous about deploying all six forwards simultaneously. The World Cup-winning coach has named an unchanged Springbok team for Saturday’s second Test against Ireland.
“I try to stay in touch with South Africa and understand how our people feel, and I aim to be honest with the media without revealing too much,” Erasmus told SuperSport. “Our reality is that we could have sent them on one-by-one, but if all six go at the same time, I don’t see it as dangerous.”
Erasmus pointed out that Ireland also employs a 6-2 split. “I don’t think the Irish team feels the same way, and I doubt Andy Farrell shares that view. It’s just one individual’s opinion [Mat Williams], and I’m not sure if the Irish players would agree. They handled us well, scoring two great tries and making it a tense game until the end. One of their injuries occurred in the first half, before the Bomb Squad was on,” he added.
“Some things make sense when you see them, and some don’t,” Erasmus concluded.
Despite ongoing criticism since the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Erasmus and his team remain committed to their strategy. The Springboks will face Ireland again this Saturday at Kings Park Stadium in Durban.
