Donal Lenihan: Oh how things have changed in the world of the rugby replacement

Rugby has evolved into a 23-man game, where the quality of the bench can determine victory or defeat

HAPPY HOOKER: Ireland's Dan Sheehan puts an exclamation mark on his country's fourth and bonus point try in the Six Nations opener against England at the Aviva Stadium. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Consider for a moment the picture Rassie Erasmus painted for his players when attempting to highlight just how important a role you had when selected as part of the Springbok bomb squad which ultimately proved so influential in winning back to back World Cup in 2019 and 2023.

He posed the question: “Would you prefer to be on the field of play when the final whistle blows as part of an all conquering South African side or part of the starting line up when the ball is kicked off?"