South Africa vs New Zealand: what is a 7-1 substitute split - and has it been used at Rugby World Cup before?

South Africa have raised a few eyebrows after announcing their team to face New Zealand this weekend.

The Springboks have elected to go for a 7-1 split on the substitue bench for the Rugby World Cup final clash on Saturday, 28 October. It is an unconventional move and will be only the second time in tournament history it has been deployed.

South Africa and New Zealand are gunning to become the first team to lift the Web Ellis trophy for a fourth time. England's Wayne Barnes will be the referee in Paris on Saturday night.

What is a 7-1 split in rugby?

The term 7-1 split refers to the number of forwards and backs a team has named on the bench. For the game against New Zealand, the Springboks have named seven reserve fowards and just one back in Willie La Roux.

South Africa have continously innovated when it comes to the use of substitues in international rugby. From the so-called 'bomb squad' replacement front row - to introducing the 6-2 split at the 2019 world cup.

The Springboks deployed the 7-1 split for the first time in final warm-up game against New Zealand at Twickenham. While the move gives South Africa the ability to replace almost all of their starting forward park - it does run the risk of leaving them vulnerable if a back picks up an injury.

Has a 7-1 split been used in Rugby World Cup before?

South Africa were the first team to use a 7-1 split at the world cup when they took to the field against Ireland in the group stages. The Springboks introduced the 6-2 split at the 2019 word cup as part of the successful campaign which saw them lift the trophy in the final against England.

The ever-innovating South African side will take it a step further by having seven forwards on their bench on Saturday night.