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Substitution
in Rugby
Written by Lucas in 2004 for Stormers Newsletter |
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In the long history of rugby there has been quite a few
revolutionary changes to the laws of the game. Most modern
amendments are designed to either ensure better player safety or to
create a more attractive spectacle for the vast amount of
spectators, the game’s lifeblood. There is a law change that not
only encompassed both these objectives but also altered the whole
tactical approach of a rugby match – the use of substitutes.
In order to understand the influence of substitution on the game,
the players and on coaches few people are better equipped to explain
than one of Springbok rugby’s legendary figures and the current
Investec Western Province coach, Carel du Plessis. Asked about
substitution in his playing days, Carel remarked ‘There were only
two reserves and no substitutions except for injury. It was usually
a reserve scrumhalf and a reserve forward, typically a hooker and
they had to cover all the positions.’ Times have changed indeed!
The game today, allows for seven substitutes i.e. a 22-man squad is
selected. Law 3 of the game governs this complicated area of the
game and allows for quite a few variations like temporary
replacements for blood, tactical substitution and exceptions
regarding to front rows and again to blood injuries. Typically a
fourth match official on the touchline monitors this law however it
is susceptible to confusion and abuse.
In the RWC for example, England played with 16 men at one stage.
Carel has first hand knowledge, ‘There was an incident that occurred
at Super 12 level, where a player was substituted and the team got
an injury with a few minutes left. The player was sent back and a
blood injury was faked.’ On how to best control this Law, he offers
the following suggestion, ‘I would like to see this area being
monitored consistently and in a professional manner and that the
match doctor confirms a blood injury and makes sure it is not fake.’
Substitution’s effect on the coaching of a rugby team is profound,
Carel explains, ‘Obviously one looks to do tactical substitution,
the players or bigger squad have to be trained in what the team is
doing, how the team is playing, what the plans are so there is no
breakdown of; communication, organization and calls if a new guy
comes onto the field. There must be continuity with regards to your
game.’
During the match itself, a good substitution can provide the spark
required to win a match or the fresh impetus when a player’s
strength is sagging. The game plan may cater for substitutions but
sometimes events and injuries dictate change as Carel says, ‘Often
tactically you make a switch, depending on how the game is going, if
there are problem areas and/or your kicking game is on song. It is
usually planned beforehand, but you have to keep injuries in mind.’
Modern coaching requires shrewd management of the situation as well
as a gambler’s instinct when to make the right decision that will
ensure victory.
How do the players deal with the substitution? Carel reveal,
‘Players want to start, but those in the 22 understand there will be
changes. Often guys take 40 to 50 minutes to get on top of their
opponents and getting into what they are supposed to do, so it is
difficult to come on with little time left. However, they have to
get use to it.’
The squad system in a competitive sport like rugby is not the
easiest to deal with and a coach is required to do a lot of
man-management. Carel explains, ‘You cannot leave a player on the
bench for 5 weeks, they lose their match fitness. Changes are not
made for the sake of changes but to keep your team performance at
the same level, to give your top players game time and keep their
form and confidence. Obviously form dictates selection and if
players perform they are rewarded with selection more often than
not. Players know and understand it that rugby is competitive and
they compete to get in the starting 15. The guys with consistency in
performance will be rewarded with more game time.’
The inevitable question of payment does arise and in this case, all
are treated equal. The match fee paid is the same but the starting
lineup is the ultimate objective and Carel makes it clear, ‘It is
about performance they (the players) understand that consistent good
performance enhances their market value and they will earn the spin
offs i.e. a better contract with the province, national contracts
etc.’ Rugby has become a true professional sport.
The future of substitution is a continuous debate; there are
thoughts out there on expanding the bench to 9 or even 10 players.
Carel does not agree, ‘There should be a fixed amount of players
allowed on the field, even if you have more than the seven
substitutes available. You cannot put on a whole defensive or
attacking team like in American Gridiron. In rugby you actually get
a break down in defence and organisation when players are fatigued
so they don’t react to certain situations. That is when players who
are fitter or who have more flair can exploit the scenario. If you
allow 9 on the bench you can ensure fresh players and it becomes
that more difficult to break down defences. That is why you work on
attacking weak spots as part of your tactics, to exploit them and
win the game.’
Substitution has revolutionized rugby, in the way the game is
played, how a team is coached and the players’ approach. It has also
contributed to more in-depth thinking on the game, better tactical
awareness and acumen in all rugby personnel and some exhilarating
moments when ‘supersubs’ change the outcome of the game. Now, if
only the supporters can understand it!
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