South Africa accused of being morally wrong as former Six Nations coach claims players' 'spines are in danger'

Former Scotland coach Matt Williams has hit out at South Africa's decision to name a 7/1 split on their bench against Ireland, saying it "is not morally correct".

The decision has not gone down favourably with ex-Leinster coach Williams who expressed his feelings on the Virgin Media TV Rugby Pod. Although he concedes it is "smart rugby", he has questioned the morality behind it, claiming this tactic will be copied further down the rugby pyramid.

“Why am I saying I am totally against this South Africa bench?” Williams said. “Is it legal? Yes. Is it smart rugby for the World Cup? I've got to say yes. Is it good tactics? Yes. But it is not morally correct.

“What I'm saying is that if lower levels of the game copy the Springboks, and they will, there are props and second rowers playing in lower levels of the game. If they are fatigued and the opposition bring on seven fresh forwards and they go for a scrum later on in the game knowing they could get a penalty and win the game, those guys' spines are in danger. I will not be quiet, because I've seen it. All of us that have seen it first hand have a responsibility to remind the next generation to not go back there.

“I have great admiration for the Springboks, I admire them as a rugby nation, they're one of the greatest in the world alongside New Zealand. This is not right for the game. It might be right for a Test match, it might be right for them to beat Ireland. I'm not worried about the health of the Irish players. I'm deeply, deeply concerned that at the lower levels of the game that this will be copied.”

South Africa face Ireland on Saturday at 8pm (UK time).