Jaco Peyper, the national laws advisor, meanwhile, brushed off the criticism in some circles that it was a dangerous call for the Springboks to put all six replacement forwards on at the same time at Loftus Versfeld last weekend.
“According to the laws of the game, you can do it. I wouldn’t say it’s dangerous bringing on fresh legs at the same time,” said Peyper, a former Test referee.
“I don’t think a six-two split makes the sport dangerous.
“What makes the sport dangerous is when players don’t level-change, drop their height into contact, when players take risks in the air and don’t respect the players in the air.”
“Ireland also opted for six-two splits in favour of the forwards during the Six Nations, and from a player safety perspective that is controlled by World Rugby’s shape of the game which includes specific law guidelines.”
“So, I think it’s probably focussed on because it was effective.
“At this point, the safety of the game is determined by the shape of the game."
“The laws are specifically there to protect the head, playing in the air, and scrum. When you pre-engage it puts a lot of stress on the neck."
“Those are the things that make the game dangerous, not a pair of fresh legs."
“I’ve seen a piece written by Dr Ross Tucker, which stated the risk of injury goes down when fresher players enter the field.”