Gutted Wallabies Give Rassie Fresh Incentive to Mobilise His ‘7-1’ Bok Brew
Gutted Wallabies Give Rassie Fresh Incentive to Mobilise His ‘7-1’ Bok Brew
The Wallabies’ latest implosion has not only sent shockwaves through Australian rugby but also handed Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus a tantalising opportunity to double down on his most controversial and feared tactical weapon: the infamous 7-1 split on the bench.
Australia’s heavy defeat at the hands of the All Blacks this past weekend exposed gaping weaknesses in their physicality, set-piece resistance, and endurance. For Erasmus, a master tactician who thrives on exploiting opposition frailties, this might be all the justification he needs to revive the radical forward-heavy bench split that rattled the rugby world during the 2023 World Cup.
The 7-1 formation—seven forwards and just one backline player on the bench—was initially met with skepticism but proved devastatingly effective when the Boks unleashed it against Ireland and England. The tactic allows South Africa to maintain relentless physical pressure, dominate at the breakdown, and win collisions deep into the final quarter, especially against teams unable to match their power game.
With the Rugby Championship looming and the Wallabies reeling from yet another morale-sapping loss, Rassie may sense blood in the water. Australia’s inexperienced and injury-riddled forward pack could be the perfect target for a full-throttle Springbok assault led by two full packs of world-class bruisers.
Rassie has never shied away from bold moves, and the Wallabies’ vulnerability might tempt him to push the envelope even further. While critics argue that the 7-1 strategy risks backline instability, the Boks’ depth in hybrid players like Kwagga Smith and Damian Willemse offers tactical insurance.
For now, the message from Rassie’s camp is subtle. But make no mistake: the Wallabies’ pain could be the Springboks’ gain—fuel for another bruising chapter in Erasmus’ playbook of rugby warfare.
