Rassie Erasmus’ fiercest critic, Matt Williams, claims the Springboks’ infamous 7-1 bench split is over, and credits Tony Brown for sparking a new attacking mindset in South African rugby.
The outspoken former Scotland coach has repeatedly slammed the Boks’ Bomb Squad tactic, branding it “against the spirit of the game” and “discriminatory against backs”. But Williams believes the Rugby Championship has shown a major shift so far.
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“I think this championship has really delivered; it’s been fabulous rugby,” Williams told the DSPN podcast.
“The greatest change and the real evolution and growth in the game, which is hugely positive, is the way the South Africans are playing.
“The 7-1 bench has quietly died. Thank God. No one went to a wake, and no one is saying, ‘Isn’t that sad?’ They played some absolutely extraordinary rugby and unleashed the talent and athleticism that we all know is in these South African players.”
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Williams credited Brown for influencing Erasmus’ strategy and said the 43-10 demolition of the All Blacks in Wellington was proof of that change.
“Unfortunately, New Zealand saw that the other week,” he said.
While predicting Scott Robertson’s men will bounce back, Williams admitted the record loss dents New Zealand’s Bledisloe Cup hopes.
“In the short term, obviously, everyone in New Zealand is hurting; my New Zealand friends are just mortified. But in the long run, I think that’s going to be great for them,” he explained.
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From his Australian perspective, Williams expects the Wallabies to feel the backlash at Eden Park.
“It’s been that long since they won there … there’s going to be a bit of a backlash. And so it should be. That’s the way the game’s going. But I think all of this is really, really positive.”
Williams added that the Boks’ mindset shift reflects a global trend towards more attacking rugby and less reliance on set piece and defence.
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