If you’ve heard the term “bomb squad” and Springboks in the same sentence, you’re probably wondering how they’re related…
Sure, the players of South African national teams are known for dropping major bombs on the pitch. But do they have anything to do with literal explosives?
WHAT IS A BOMB SQUAD?
In 2019, the term “bomb squad” was born when the Springboks defeated England in the Rugby World Cup finals.
According to the national team, the phrase is a nickname for the team’s replacements on the bench. The group of typically heavyweight and fierce players replacing the starting line-up or “front row.”
According to retired Bok Tendai Mtwawarira, SA Rugby’s Rassie Erasmus brought in the bomb squad concept to best describe the impact of players on the bench.
He said on a recent Rugby World Cup TV podcast: “At the time, Rassie was having a difficult time on picking his starters because the guys on the bench are equally as good as the guys who are starting.
He continued: “The term came up in a meeting. It’s like when you come on the field, you’ve got to blast off, and it’s a bomb. You’ve got to make an impact”.
@rwc2023tv The Bomb Squad. Which unit will have the biggest impact at #RWC2023 ♬ original sound – RWC2023TV
WHO ARE IN IT?
The Springboks will take on Ireland on Saturday, 23 September, at the Stade de France. The team will utilise an innovative 7-1 bench split, which refers to the number of forwards and backs the team has on the bench.
These players are expected to be on the “bomb squad.”
- Ox Nche
- Marco van Staden
- Deon Fourie
- Jean Kleyn
- Cobus Reinach
- RG Snyman
- Kwagga Smith
- Trevor Nyakane
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