Nigel Owens backs major law change that would derail Springboks tactic

Friday, 11 September 2026 at 15:12

bySteven Smith

Former Test referee Nigel Owens has called for rugby to dramatically reduce the number of replacements, a change that could have major implications for the Springboks and their famous Bomb Squad.

South Africa have revolutionised the use of the bench under Rassie Erasmus, regularly loading their replacements with forwards and, at times, selecting a controversial 7-1 split.

The tactic has become a major weapon for the four-time world champions, allowing Erasmus to introduce almost an entirely fresh pack during the second half.

However, Owens believes rugby has gone too far with eight replacements and wants the number significantly reduced.

Nigel Owens calls for replacements to be cut

“The first thing I do, I would reduce the amount of substitutions,” Owens said.

“I think eight players on the bench is too much.”

The legendary Welsh referee has previously suggested cutting the number even further.

“I’d reduce substitutions down from eight to four or five,” he said.

Owens believes forcing more players to remain on the field for the full 80 minutes would introduce greater fatigue, potentially creating more space later in matches.

It could also force forwards to become lighter if they knew they could no longer be routinely replaced after 50 or 60 minutes.

Owens is far from the only major rugby figure to question the current system.

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Sir Bill Beaumont questions the Bomb Squad

Former World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont has also argued there are too many replacements in the modern game – and specifically referenced South Africa's Bomb Squad.

“My view is that we allow too many substitutes,” Beaumont said.

“The bomb squad are very effective at what they do, and very successful — they have won two World Cups.”

However, the former England captain suggested those players could be required to stay on the field considerably longer.

“Maybe the bomb squad could run for a bit longer and a bit further.”

Beaumont believes fatigue was traditionally an important part of rugby, with games opening up during the final quarter as forwards tired.

Keith Wood wants just four or five replacements

Ireland and British & Irish Lions legend Keith Wood has also backed a dramatic reduction.

“Capping the subs is a big thing for me,” Wood said.

“I really think we should be down to four or five subs.”

Wood has suggested teams could still be permitted to name a larger bench but only be allowed to actually use four or five of those players.

His preferred system would protect specialist front-row cover while significantly reducing tactical replacements elsewhere.

“I’d like to have three front rowers, for health and safety reasons. I’d like to have a utility forward and a utility back.”

Lions legends called for radical change

Owens' position also has the backing of some of the most celebrated names in British & Irish Lions history.

Sir Ian McGeechan, Willie John McBride, Sir Gareth Edwards, Barry John and John Taylor previously signed an open letter calling for the number of replacements permitted during a match to be slashed.

Their proposal was simple:

“Allow eight subs on the bench if you must, but limit the number that can be used to four.”

The group went even further by arguing those replacements should primarily be used for injuries rather than tactical changes.

Former England and Australia boss Eddie Jones has also called for fewer replacements, arguing rugby needs to bring fatigue back into the sport.

“We have got to get some fatigue back into the game, we have got to get some space back into the game.”