Momentum proved a myth, cracking down on high tackles was a success and emerging nations showed their worth
It looked like advantage to the holders after they effectively decided the pool pecking order on the opening weekend, but it prompted South Africa’s head coach, Rassie Erasmus, to make a significant change. The Springboks conceded only four tries in the tournament, two against the All Blacks. Erasmus used a conventional split of five forwards and three backs on the bench on that evening, but he changed it to six-two for the pool match against Italy and the three knockout games, giving him an alternative tight five to maintain physical power and mental sharpness.
Written by Paul Rees in Tokyo
This news first appeared on https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/nov/04/key-themes-world-cup-japan-2019 under the title “Ten key themes as World Cup says sayonara to Japan | Paul Rees”. Bolchha Nepal is not responsible or affiliated towards the opinion expressed in this news article.
