Breaking: Rassie Erasmus Clashes with Matt Williams Over Bomb Squad’s Role in Steven Kitshoff’s Retirement – In an unexpected Twitter spat, former Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus hit back at ex-Scotland coach Matt Williams, who suggested that Kitshoff’s career-ending neck injury might be linked to the high-intensity scrummaging and usage of the ‘Bomb Squad’ tactic. Erasmus, who popularized the 6-2 and 7-1 splits, responded with "Nee wat !! How can a 6/2 or 7/1 split contribute to Kitchie’s injury? ‘Do we know’? No you dont." Williams has been critical of the Bomb Squad tactic, deeming it dangerous and discriminatory against backline players, but World Rugby has not found evidence to support his claims.
Rassie Erasmus Fires Back at Matt Williams: Is the Bomb Squad Tactic Under Fire Once Again?
By [Your Name], 247Sports.new
Matt Williams’ Persistent Criticism
Matt Williams, the former Scotland coach, has once again found himself at the center of controversy, stirring up debate around the popular rugby tactic known as the ‘Bomb Squad.’ This tactic, popularized by the Springboks under Rassie Erasmus, involves loading the bench with forwards, creating a significant split between forwards and backs.
Williams, known for his outspoken opinions, believes this tactic is a safety risk and discriminates against backline players. His criticism hasn’t waned despite World Rugby’s stance that they have no plans to alter the laws surrounding bench composition due to a lack of evidence showing increased risk.
"I admire the intellectual thinking of this as a coach, but I do have a problem with the coaches who use it," Williams told DSPN with Martin Devlin. "It works, yes, but what does that do to our game?"
Erasmus Claps Back
Erasmus, the driving force behind the Springboks’ successful use of the Bomb Squad, took to social media to defend the tactic and himself. Erasmus’ post was triggered by Williams’ speculation that Steven Kitshoff’s retirement-causing neck injury might be attributed to the intense scrummaging and physical demand imposed by the Bomb Squad.
Screenshot of Matt Williams’ quotes with the caption: "Nee wat !! How can a 6/2 or 7/1 split contribute to Kitchie’s injury? ‘Do we know’? No, you don’t."
– Rassie Erasmus (@RassieRugby), April 16, 2025
Kitshoff’s Take on the Bomb Squad
Recently, Kitshoff, the 83-Test cap prop who retired earlier this year, appeared on Rassie Erasmus’ podcast, Rassie+, where he discussed his injury and the formation of the Bomb Squad. Erasmus asked Kitshoff if the tactic had prolonged his career.
"100%, you give everything for 35 or 40 minutes and those extra minutes almost saves your body for the next week," Kitshoff replied.
The Future of the Bomb Squad
With Erasmus’ post sparking fresh conversation around the Bomb Squad, the question remains: is this tactic here to stay, or will increasing safety concerns see a change in rugby’s future?
Did you know?
The Bomb Squad tactic was first popularized by the Springboks in 2019, helping them win the Rugby World Cup with a 6-2 bench split. In the following World Cup, they took the tactic a step further with a 7-1 split, successfully defending their title.
Pro tips
If you’re a rugby enthusiast eager to understand the nuances of the Bomb Squad tactic, consider checking out these resources:
- Bomb Squad: The birth of the Springboks’ explosive tactics, its copycats, detractors, and controversies
- Rassie Erasmus issues two-word response after World Rugby decides the fate of the Bomb Squad
FAQs
Q: Is the Bomb Squad tactic dangerous for players?
A: While Matt Williams believes the tactic is dangerous, World Rugby has not found any evidence to suggest it increases the risk of injuries.
Q: What is the Bomb Squad tactic?
A: The Bomb Squad is a rugby tactic involving a significant split between forwards and backs on the bench, allowing teams to bring on fresh forwards for sustained periods of play.
Call to Action
Now it’s your turn to have your say! Do you agree with Matt Williams’ concerns about the Bomb Squad, or do you believe the tactic is beneficial for the game? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to explore more of our rugby content to stay up-to-date with all the latest news and trends.
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