England’s bench has become one of the most dangerous weapons in the Rugby World Cup 2027. In recent seasons, impact players such as Tom Curry and Henry Pollock have changed matches after coming off the bench, bringing fresh energy and physicality when opponents are beginning to tire. But not everyone believes this evolution is good for the game.
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One of rugby union’s most respected former international referees has suggested the sport may have gone too far with substitutions. Speaking on a recent episode of Ben John’s podcast, the experienced official was asked which laws he would scrap if rugby started again from scratch. His answer was immediate; he would reduce the number of replacements allowed.
According to the former referee, eight substitutes on the bench is excessive. He argues that modern rugby has turned replacements into a tactical weapon rather than a necessity for injuries. The first thing I would do is reduce the number of substitutions, he explained. Eight players on the bench is too much. I’d change it so substitutions could only be made for injured players, like it used to be years ago.
Rugby World Cup: The Rise of the 7–1 Split
Modern rugby has seen a dramatic shift in how benches are structured. Traditionally, teams carried a balanced split between forwards and backs. However, in recent years, the trend has moved toward forward-heavy benches, most notably the controversial 7–1 split. Under this strategy, teams name seven forwards and just one back among their replacements.
This allows coaches to effectively deploy an entirely fresh forward pack during the second half. France famously used this tactic in the Six Nations Championship, overwhelming opponents with renewed power late in matches. The strategy has proven effective, but it has also sparked debate across the Rugby World Cup.
Supporters argue that it adds tactical depth and rewards smart squad management. Critics believe it reduces endurance as a core element of the Rugby World Cup and increases the physical toll on players due to repeated high-impact collisions between fresh and fatigued athletes.
His reasoning is simple. If players knew they had to last the full 80 minutes, their physical profiles and playing styles would change. Instead of relying on massive forwards weighing 130 kilograms who can go all-out for 50 minutes, teams would select more mobile athletes closer to 115 kilograms who can maintain performance throughout the match.
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Rugby World Cup Final: Gregor Townsend Voices Concerns
Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend is among those who have expressed reservations about the direction rugby is heading. Speaking ahead of facing France and their 7–1 bench configuration, Townsend admitted he has misgivings about the concept. If you want my view, Townsend said, I don’t think the bench was set up to suddenly have a new forward pack coming on.
But that’s for the Rugby World Cup Final to decide what you do with the bench, and to make any changes. His comments highlight a growing tension within professional rugby. While the laws allow tactical substitutions, many feel the original intention of the bench was injury cover, not strategic reinforcements.
England has embraced the modern approach. Their ability to introduce high-quality replacements has turned tight contests in their favor. Fresh forwards can dominate scrums and breakdowns in the closing stages, while energetic back-rowers like Tom Curry inject intensity when it matters most.
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Rugby World Cup: Player Welfare Vs Tactical Innovation
On one hand, fewer replacements might mean less explosive, collision-heavy rugby. On the other hand, forcing players to last 80 minutes could increase fatigue-related injuries. Rugby World Cup faces a complex balancing act. The sport continues to evolve physically, tactically and commercially. Television audiences are growing, and tournaments like the Six Nations and Rugby World Cup are expanding.
and teams are constantly searching for competitive edges. Any major law change would have significant consequences across domestic leagues, international competitions and player development pathways. With major tournaments on the horizon, including upcoming Rugby World Cup cycles, this debate is unlikely to disappear. Tactical benches are now a fundamental part of elite rugby strategy.
Meanwhile, global competitions continue to capture attention. In Pool A of a major international tournament, hosts Australia and three-time champions New Zealand headline one of the most competitive groups. Chile and Hong Kong China will aim for historic results, while the trans-Tasman showdown between Australia and New Zealand is expected to be one of the most-watched pool matches of the tournament.
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