Former All Blacks assistant coach Sir Wayne Smith has joined the growing discussion about reducing the number of substitutions in rugby, advocating for a shift from eight substitutions to help create more fatigue during matches. Smith, who played a key role in New Zealand’s back-to-back World Cup victories in 2011 and 2015, expressed support for potential changes being considered by World Rugby.
His comments align with outgoing World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont, who revealed that one of his biggest regrets was not implementing a reduction in the number of substitutes during his tenure. The issue has been debated frequently, with investigations into whether the introduction of fresh players contributes to an increased risk of injuries among fatigued athletes. However, there has not been sufficient evidence to enforce any changes.
The conversation about limiting substitutions has gained momentum, especially following South Africa’s success in the last two World Cups, where their “Bomb Squad” strategy—utilizing a strong bench—played a pivotal role. This approach allows the Springboks to bring on fresh forwards early in the game, impacting its dynamics significantly.
Beaumont remarked on the impact of too many substitutes, reminiscing about how games often opened up in the last 20 minutes in the past, with teams frequently winning during that time. He acknowledged the effectiveness of South Africa’s tactics while suggesting that their players could endure longer.
Former Scotland coach Matt Williams has criticized the Springboks’ bench strategy, arguing it discriminates against back players and exploits safety regulations. Keith Wood, a former Ireland hooker, and ex-referee Nigel Owens have also supported calls to reduce squad sizes or limit substitutions, proposing that players should only come on due to injuries.
Smith agrees with these sentiments, particularly regarding World Rugby’s recent law changes designed to enhance the pace of the game. These include introducing shot clocks for scrums and lineouts to deter time-wasting tactics. He believes that reducing the number of substitutions will elevate the quality of matches and challenge coaches to adapt their strategies effectively.
Smith is confident that the All Blacks and other New Zealand teams will benefit from these adjustments, as they have historically adapted quickly to changes in the game. Currently, in his role as New Zealand Rugby’s performance coach, he provides guidance to the coaches of both the All Blacks and Black Ferns, helping to foster innovation in the sport.