The Springbok players standing tall during the anthem. Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Is the Boks’ secret weapon losing its edge?
Is our beloved Boks’ Secret Weapon, the Bomb Squad, losing its spark? Dive into the latest on the Boks’ game strategy.
The Springbok players standing tall during the anthem. Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Boks’ secret weapon: The bomb squad
You know our Boks’ secret weapon, the ‘Bomb Squad’, right? It’s been our ace since the 2019 World Cup victory. But some are asking – is this secret weapon losing its shine?
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The Bomb Squad, with its six-two split (six forwards, two backs) on the bench, was the brainchild of former Springboks coach and current SA director of rugby, Rassie Erasmus.
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It was a winner in the Boks’ 32-12 drubbing of England in the 2019 World Cup Final and got us a lekker 43-12 victory against Australia in this year’s Rugby Championship opener.
The Boks’ secret weapon takes a knock
But then, tragedy struck. The All Blacks, our fierce rivals, gave us a 20-35 klap in Auckland. The Bomb Squad couldn’t save us.
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In response, Boks’ coach Jacques Nienaber changed tactics. Against Argentina, he went for a more traditional five-three split. It nearly backfired, with our boys just scraping a 22-21 win.
Time for a change
Despite the flak, Franco Mostert, one of the original Bomb Squad, stands firm. He reckons the management has a plan with their secret weapon. They’re working out combinations for the next World Cup, and he’s urging the team to up their game in the lineouts.
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This weekend, it’s round two against Los Pumas in Buenos Aires. We’re sticking with the five-three split for now. This match is our last chance to finesse our strategy before Nienaber names the World Cup squad.
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So, is the Boks’ Secret Weapon fizzling out, or are we just fine-tuning for what’s to come? The coming matches will tell. Until then, keep your eyes on the ball, South Africa!
