Rugby World Cup 2027: Call them system players, impact subs, game-changers, finishers, or just old-fashioned replacements. Whatever the label, there is no arguing with one simple truth of modern rugby: the bench now plays a crucial role in deciding matches.
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That is exactly why coaches constantly stress that it takes all 23 players to win a game, not just the starting XV. In fact, discussion around a matchday squad often focuses just as much on the makeup of the bench as on the players who run out at kick-off.
The balance between forwards and backs has become a talking point in its own right. How coaches choose to use their replacements over the course of 80 minutes has even led to nicknames. A well-used bench can shift a game in countless ways. Sometimes it is as simple as sending on an experienced prop to steady a struggling scrum.
In other cases, a tireless flanker arrives to slow the ball down at the breakdown and win turnovers at key moments. Fresh legs can lift the tempo in midfield, while a lightning-quick back can create something out of nothing and score from anywhere on the field.
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Rugby World Cup: Fiji Strong Starters, Quiet Replacements
The influence of replacements is no longer subtle; it is often decisive. One clear way to measure that influence is through tries scored by players coming off the bench. The figures from 2025 reveal a wide gap in effectiveness among the 12 teams set to compete in next year’s Nations Cup.
Notably, the three highest-ranked teams in the world also had the most productive benches. Reinforcing the idea that depth and impact beyond the starting XV are hallmarks of elite sides. Fiji’s numbers tell an interesting story. All three tries scored by their replacements came against lower-ranked opponents.
Two of those arrived during the Asahi Pacific Nations Cup, a tournament in which Fiji did most of their damage early. Nearly two-thirds of their tries were scored in the first half, including efforts from Taniela Rakuro against Tonga and Joji Nasova against Canada. Both of whom had replaced the starting outside centre.
The third replacement try came later in the year, when prop Atunaisa Sokobale crossed the line in Fiji’s 41-33 win over Spain. In truth, Fiji did not need a game-changing bench during the Pacific Nations Cup. Because their starting XV was simply too strong for the opposition. However, the lack of impact from their replacements became costlier during the Quilter Nations Series.
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Rugby World Cup Final: Waiting Too Long for a Breakthrough
Against England and France in November, Fiji went into half-time within a single score on both occasions. Yet in each match, they managed just one second-half try, the period when benches are usually emptied and momentum often swings. Without extra punch from their replacements, Fiji could not keep pace on the scoreboard.
France’s struggles were even more striking. Once the tries of Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Damian Penaud are removed, there was little else to go around. A return of just five replacement tries across the year was a poor outcome for what might jokingly be called the Pas Bon Squad.
Incredibly, Les Bleus’ bench went almost five full matches without contributing a single try. Until the final minute of their last Test of the year, when Maxime Lamothe, on as a replacement hooker, forced his way over against Australia. Wales experienced similar issues.
Aside from Nick Tompkins’ dramatic late match-winner against Japan, their bench offered very little in 2025. That try in Cardiff was the only one scored by a Welsh replacement outside of the Guinness Men’s Six Nations. During the Championship itself, No.8 Aaron Wainwright and lock Teddy Williams managed tries against Italy and Scotland, but beyond that, impact from the bench was limited.
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