Rassie's 2019 World Cup winning team peaked for the final, where they beat England with ease.
Perhaps this was down to how Rassie managed the forwards workload allowing them to be fresh in the final, unlike a depleted English team that played their final in the semi to beat the All Blacks.
International rugby changed after the last world cup with more teams opting for a 6/2 split of forwards- especially when playing against South Africa.
The problem for other teams is that they don't boast the same level of forward depth- at least of test standard. So if they get to the semis they might not be fresh, and struggle to also cover injuries.
Against the All Blacks on Saturday, Rassie fielded 7 forwards on the bench and one backline player.
After this World Cup, we may see the IRB limit the % of forwards on the bench.
The current status quo is good for South Africa, but there could be an argument that being able to substitute a whole pack might prevent the game from opening up in the 2nd half as players tire. (The starting tight five tire particularly after 50-60 minutes).
