Overview

• Matt Williams told the DSPN podcast that the 7–1 bench has “quietly died” and lauded South Africa’s more expansive play.
• Rassie Erasmus said players and management do not take Williams seriously, calling the commentary “clickbait” and saying the team laughs at it.
• Recent selections cited by local media show Erasmus used a 6/2 bench once in the Rugby Championship and 5/3 splits against New Zealand and for the Argentina Test at Kings Park.
• Williams has been a persistent critic of the forward‑heavy 7/1 tactic, arguing it violates the spirit of the game and endangers player safety.
• Erasmus questioned Williams’ relevance and nationality framing in his retort, saying, “He doesn’t really know our team.”