Power play Fixation on forward rotation risks rugby clashes turning into damp squibs

There was a time in rugby union when the phrase "Bomb Squad" felt novel.

- Robert Kitson

South Africa were ahead of the game in maximising the impact of replacement forwards off the bench and the sight of all that fresh beef rumbling on to the field early in the second half was certainly arresting. As the Springboks have proved repeatedly, it works a treat if you possess the requisite strength in depth.

Everyone now has, or aspires to, their own Bomb Squad. Around the 45th-50th minute in virtually any game there will be an army of stunt doubles preparing to replace the battalions who started the game. And if a coach can field fewer than three specialist backline reserves in order to bolster his forward resources, happy days. Happy, that is, for those with enough quality artillery. Which, increasingly, includes England. On Saturday against Australia it was Steve Borthwick who unleashed his heavy mob, with five British & Irish Lions forwards rumbling on. It worked a treat, the Wallabies ending up crushed beneath the caterpillar wheels of the home tanks.