Beaumont Calls for Changes to Substitution Rules as Rugby Rivals Adapt

Outgoing World Rugby chief Bill Beaumont has expressed a desire to see South Africa’s renowned “Bomb Squad” lose some of its explosiveness. As he prepares to step down from his role, Beaumont’s reflections include a notable regret: the game has not reduced the number of player substitutions from eight. In a recent interview with The Times, he voiced concerns about the current substitution rules and their impact on the flow of the game.

The Case Against Excessive Substitutions

Beaumont articulated that the high number of substitutes contributes to a less dynamic end to matches. He noted, “My view is that we allow too many substitutes.” Although he acknowledged the effectiveness of the Springboks’ strategy, which has been instrumental in their two World Cup victories, he believes that the game’s natural rhythm has been disrupted.

“I don’t know if I’m looking through rose-coloured spectacles but in years gone by, the game always opened up in the last 20 minutes, and games were often won in the last 20 minutes,” Beaumont recalled. During his playing days, substitutions were only permitted in cases of injury, creating a different tactical landscape.

Beaumont pointed out that Rassie Erasmus and former Springboks coach Jacques Nienaber had taken the bench strategy to new heights in 2023, opting for a 7-1 forwards-to-backs split. This innovative approach has been effective but raises questions about the game’s future dynamics.

Adapting to a New Era of Rugby

With Beaumont’s call for change unlikely to materialize immediately, former All Black Sonny Bill Williams emphasized the need for New Zealand’s rugby team to adapt. Williams suggested that the All Blacks should meet South Africa’s power with their own, stating, “We’ve got to look at what the greatest teams in the world at the moment are doing, what’s Ireland doing, what’s South Africa doing?”

He highlighted the importance of versatility in player selection, proposing that New Zealand utilize their depth strategically. “We should be carrying an extra forward. We’ve got the depth, we’ve got the talent; I just feel like the coaches need to accept that we are not where we once were,” Williams explained.

Pressure and Performance: All Blacks in the Spotlight

Reflecting on the All Blacks’ recent performances under coach Scott Robertson, Williams noted a struggle to finish strong during The Rugby Championship. He mentioned, “It’s a hard one, but I feel that New Zealand, the All Blacks, if we are going to call a spade a spade, when the going gets tough, when the microscope is put heavily on them, they don’t like to feel the pressure.”

Williams pointed out that the All Blacks thrive in comfortable scenarios but falter under pressure. He stressed that to compete effectively, New Zealand must evolve their strategies to combat the intensity of top-tier international rugby. “But as soon as the heat comes on, as soon as that battle intensifies, and we’ve seen it. Like you said, three out of the last six games, that last 20-minute period when the heat is on, we’re struggling and falling away.”