Jake White Questions Springboks’ Bomb Squad Before All Blacks Decider: "Coach Your Bench"

• Jake White has raised an important question about how the Springboks prepare their replacements for different match situations
• Rassie Erasmus has named a powerful 6-2 bench for Saturday’s Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry decider
• South Africa will defend a 2-1 series lead as they look to finish the four-Test contest with another victory

Jake White has questioned how much attention the Springboks give to coaching their replacements ahead of their All Blacks decider in Baltimore. The former Springbok coach believes the Bomb Squad's effectiveness depends on players understanding exactly what is required when they enter the match.

Jake White questions Bomb Squad preparation

Writing for RugbyPass on 10 September, White reflected on the third Test and suggested the All Blacks may have lacked fresh energy during the closing stages.

His focus, however, was on the broader role of replacements and whether teams devote enough preparation to the players numbered 16 to 23.

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“One thing I’d say, however, is that it’s a learned skill knowing when to introduce the right player,” White wrote.

“Perhaps there’s not enough time spent in coaching on the role of the numbers 16-23. What do they do collectively? The magic isn’t just going to happen.”

White said a bench can be used to protect a lead, chase a game or change its momentum, meaning players must be prepared for different scenarios.

Rassie Erasmus names 6-2 bench

Erasmus has opted for six forwards and two backs among his replacements for Saturday. Deon Fourie, Gerhard Steenekamp, Thomas du Toit, Lood de Jager, André Esterhuizen and Cameron Hanekom are joined by Cobus Reinach and Manie Libbok.

The selection gives Erasmus considerable forward depth while retaining options to alter the tempo through Reinach and Libbok.

Springboks hold 2-1 series advantage

South Africa head into the Baltimore Test with a 2-1 advantage after beating New Zealand 29-24 in Soweto on 5 September.

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A victory at M&T Bank Stadium on 12 September would give Erasmus’ side a 3-1 series triumph.

White believes the final outcome could also highlight how effectively each coaching team prepares its bench for moments when the match is on the line.

Jasper Wiese reveals tense mood on shared Springboks-All Blacks flight

Briefly News previously reported that Jasper Wiese offered a glimpse into the atmosphere aboard the shared charter flight carrying the Springboks and All Blacks to Baltimore.

Wiese said there was little interaction between the rival squads following New Zealand’s defeat in Johannesburg, while Rassie Erasmus described a more relaxed scene involving several players from both teams.

The contrasting accounts added another layer of intrigue ahead of Saturday’s decisive fourth Test.

Source: Briefly News