All Blacks, Springboks vie for global supremacy in World Cup final
South Africa’s mythologised “bomb squad” will be unleashed once again in their World Cup final against New Zealand on Saturday. The squad, made up of specifically selected replacements, earned its moniker because of its ability to change the game’s trajectory or strengthen the Springboks’ grip on their opponents.
The brains behind the bomb squad, South African Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus, was quick to draw on his secret weapon in the quarter-final match against France. The squad started to take to the field in the 45th minute. It didn’t take long for them to influence the course of the match. Prop forward Ox Nche came on in the 51st minute and played an essential role in the scrums. The situation repeated itself a week later in the semi-final against England.
Eager to assert their physical dominance in the final, the Springboks have swapped in second-rower Jean Kleyn and back-rower Jasper Wiese to their eight replacements. In total, seven forwards will be on the bench, including prop forward Trevor Nyakane, who makes his return to the squad. The one back on the bench, the versatile Willie Le Roux, is capable of playing multiple positions if required.
These choices reflect the reigning world champion’s desire to dominate the scrums and rucks and deprive the All Blacks of attacking opportunities.
This strategy has already proven successful, as they handed the New Zealand team its heaviest-ever defeat on August 25 in London, beating the All Blacks 35-7. The All Blacks, reduced to 14 men in the 39th minute after Scott Barrett was sent off with a red card, were unable to stem the tide of the South African forwards, who scored four tries.
The rout is bound to raise fears – or strike terror – among the All Blacks as they
