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Piri Weepu - Source: Photosport -
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While only 15 players per team are permitted onto a rugby field at any one time, there is now no doubt that it has evolved into a 22-man game.
Like it or not, the reserves, substitutes or bench players, have become as vital to the overall performance of a team as the starting fifteen, and their role features prominently in the overall tactical planning.
This was never better illustrated than at Eden Park on Saturday night when the All Blacks began utilising the substitution laws of the game within five minutes of the second half.
Tialata and Hore were walked, and on went Franks and Mealamu.
Weepu didn't have long to wait before he was in the action. He played about 30 minutes, and Read also had a lengthy stint in the Tri Nations opener.
They were all pleasingly effective, with some such as Weepu and Mealamu now clearly regarded as specialist 'impact' players. Naturally enough, this will have an effect on their aspirations to become members of the first 15, but they need to understand they are just as important as those in jerseys 1 to 15.
In selecting their teams, the All Black selectors have quite rightly gone for a bench of players who they consider will make an impact during the game, plus of course they must be aware of each player's ability to cover various positions in case of injury.
It seems the first criteria for being a substitute is the potential to make a substantial impact when introduced to a game. Next is the versatility to cover a number of positions, except for the obvious specialist roles.
Also crucial is the substitute's tactical awareness. While sitting on the sideline, the player's observational skills and understanding of how a game is developing and what subtle variations might change the course of a match, can make a huge difference. He should also be able to provide clarity of thought at a time when an atmosphere of near panic might be developing.
Until recently, coaches have used substitutions late in a game, sometimes in the final four or five minutes even. The Test in Auckland has shown a massive shift in direction in that area, and I wonder if soon there will be a call for a change in the laws to allow even more subs in a squad.
For many years, to be named as a reserve for a Test meant very little as no replacements were permitted, even for an injured player. One of the most famous examples of this was in the 1950 series against the touring Lions.
Ron Elvidge suffered a bad cut to the head and also damaged his shoulder. He left the field. Today he would have been replaced, but not then. The All Blacks were down to 13 players because one of their props, Johnny Simpson, had received a career-ending injury.
Elvidge later returned to score a memorable try.
In 1968, Brian Lochore was injured and left the Sydney Cricket Ground. Ian Kirkpatrick replaced him. This was the first All Black replacement of the modern game.
So, we've gone from the totally unacceptable "no replacement" rule, to replacing an injured player, (after a doctor had declared him medically unfit to continue) to the current situation of tactically substituting players with those who will make a timely and significant impact.
Has it made for a better game?
What do you think? Has the 22-man game made for a better, more enjoyable and entrtaining game? Feel free to comment below.
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Post new commentscott barker said on 2009-07-22 @ 18:13 NZDT: Report abusive post
Its great the way it is because it creates more of a spectacle when theres some fresh legs out there towards the back end of the game.
The Slickster said on 2009-07-22 @ 14:17 NZDT: Report abusive post
There is something about the 15-man game - with no subs - that is pure. The essence of rugby is lost with wholesale changes!