End of the road for Bok ‘Bomb Squad’?

WORLD Rugby is reportedly considering reducing the number of substitutes allowed in matches.

According to British publication The Telegraph, a decision on the matter will be made based on the results of an ongoing study into the impact of replacements on the pace of the game and injury rates.

The report adds that rugby’s global governing body is using data from the sport’s major domestic leagues, which include Super Rugby, the English Premiership and the PRO14.

“We try to base all of our decisions on evidence rather than emotion,” Dr Eanna Falvey, World Rugby’s chief medical officer, said.

“Sometimes, the eyes deceive, and we need information and good quality data to make these types of decisions.”

Teams would still be required to keep three specialist front row forwards on the bench in order to maintain safety in the scrum.

Reducing the number of substitutions (eight is currently allowed in Test rugby) would limit coaches’ options, for instance forcing them to go without a specialist scrumhalf or flyhalf in favour of a utility back on the bench.

Falvey said they were determined to know whether reducing substitutions made a big difference to the injury rate and pace of the game.

“And if it does, to start looking at the practical solutions to that problem.”

England coach Eddie Jones said last week that the number of substitutes should be reduced to six.

“We have got to get some fatigue back into the game, we have got to get some space back into the game because otherwise we will end up with NFL,” Jones explained.

The Springboks made headlines at last year’s Rugby World Cup with their bench dubbed the ‘Bomb Squad’ wreaking havoc.

Bok coach Rassie Erasmus picked six forwards and two backs on the bench, allowing him to replace almost his entire pack.

England struggled to cope against South Africa in the World Cup final as Jones’ men were thumped 32-12, fading badly in the final quarter. — Sport24.co.za.