Steve Hansen has taken aim at the 6-2 bench split favoured by the Springboks and the Stormers, arguing that while the strategy offers obvious forward muscle off the bench, it creates genuine vulnerability when injuries disrupt the plan. The piece examines Hansen's specific critique and what it means for teams that have leaned heavily into this approach as a tactical identity.
AnalysisSpringboksSA Rugby Mag
Hansen flags the injury trap in South Africa's 6-2 bench strategy
Hansen warns that the 6-2 split looks smart until injuries force a reshuffle — the piece unpacks his critique of how South African teams are exposed by their own tactical signature.
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