Jackman: Rassie's 7:1 bench split should be encouraged

After a weekend where Fiji beat England, France thrashed Australia and Ireland were given a real scare by Samoa, it would take something big to dominate this week's rugby discourse.

South Africa's 35-7 win against New Zealand did just that.

It was a game that stood out for several reasons; not only was it the heaviest defeat ever inflicted on the All Blacks, but they were seven minutes away from being held scoreless in a Test for the first time in 59 years.

South Africa's start to the game was also remarkable, dominating New Zealand up front, particularly at the maul with the All Blacks conceding eight penalties and giving up two yellow cards in the first 15 minutes alone.

Somehow, none of that has dominated the conversation this week, with the biggest talking point being around the make-up of the South Africa replacements bench.

In recent years the world champions have often loaded up on power, favouring a 6:2 split of forwards to backs on the bench, but that ratio became 7:1 on Friday night when full-back Willie le Roux was a late withdrawal from the side, to be replaced by flanker Kwagga Smith.

The reaction has been polarising, particularly here in Ireland where former Scotland coach Matt Williams and ex-international referee Owen Doyle have both called for World Rugby to act, with Williams saying it is against the spirit of the game, while Doyle cited safety concerns.

However, speaking on the RTÉ Rugby podcast this week, former Ireland hooker Bernard Jackman said he welcomed the creativity from the Springboks' coaches.

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