New Zealand boss Scott Robertson shares his verdict on South Africa and France’s use of their replacements, with five Tests for the Kiwis against the nations in 2025.

Speaking on the Rugby Direct podcast, the All Blacks head coach acknowledged the effectiveness of the 7-1 split, which played a crucial role in the Springboks’ back-to-back World Cup triumphs and France’s recent Six Nations title.

“It’s in the laws. The first thing to be clear is, ‘is it alright?’ Well, it’s right because it’s in the laws, so you can do it,” Robertson said.

France used the tactic in three straight Six Nations Tests, overpowering Italy, Ireland and Scotland with fresh forwards in the second half. The Boks famously deployed it twice against the All Blacks in 2023 – first, a record defeat at Twickenham before the World Cup final loss.

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“The way teams play now, and the fatigue that comes in, the impacts and contacts are so high – so they’ve got an immediate effect on the game,” Robertson said. 

“Especially after half time, when you bring on an extra loose forward, it makes a massive difference.”

Robertson admits the All Blacks have considered it themselves: “You look at it, we’ve considered it ourselves, but we believed it wasn’t quite right for us, but it’s working and they’re innovative.

“You’ve got to keep an eye on that trend so it’s definitely an option.”

New Zealand will face France in a three-Test series in July before hosting the Boks in two Rugby Championship clashes later this year.

“It’s a great opportunity. It’s on the line, isn’t it? Those are the ones you want to play in, the ones everyone gets excited about,” Robertson said.

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