Victor Matfield has recalled how an early version of the famous “Bomb Squad” saved the Springboks at the 2007 World Cup.
The Springboks have created an uproar by innovating their use of the replacements and including six, and sometimes seven, forwards on the bench.
In an interview with BokSquad, former Springbok lock Matfield recalled how Jake White used his substitutes to similar effect during the pool stages of the 2007 World Cup.
WORLD CUP REWIND: When Tonga shocked the Boks
White named a heavily-rotated lineup for South Africa’s match against Tonga, with Matfield among the star names on the bench.
However, it nearly backfired, as Tonga opened up a 10-7 lead early in the second half, causing White to call on John Smit, Bryan Habana, Frans Steyn, Matfield and BJ Botha all at once from the bench.
“There were several first-choice players on the bench, and in the week leading up to the game we had actually discussed if maybe we need one or two to rather be in the starting lineup,” Matfield told BokSquad.
“But Jake wanted to manage the squad and everyone’s game-time. In the end, we were behind on the scoreboard at half-time, and under pressure.
“So we had to come off the bench, and our version of the ‘Bomb Squad’ actually had a big impact to get us back into the game even though Tonga had a lot of momentum. Ultimately there was one bounce of the ball that went in our favour and saved that result for us, so it just showed again that if your focus is not there 100%, then any team can beat you.”
Matfield backed the current group of Springboks to defend their status as world champions, but only if they negotiate a tricky quarter-final against the tournament hosts.
“I’ve always felt that in the World Cup you actually just need to play four especially good games to win the trophy, and you really just need one of those to be in your pool, which South Africa produced against Scotland,” Matfield said.
“If we do face France, my feeling is that we just need to get through that game – which will be like a final – and then we should be able to go on to win the World Cup again.”
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