So what you are saying, if I'm reading this right, is that irrespective of whether Mary continues with the bench the way it is, or changes it, there's no reason for the forwards to be burnt out? Even with the fact we are using only 16 players, our forwards are far from performing excessive minutes on the field?
Mostly yes - my points are;
If the burnout argument were true it would show up as excessive minutes/runs/tackles.
These are objective and easily measured.
Our forwards are not being made to perform excessive minutes/runs/tackles - they are playing what is reasonably expected of average to high level first grade forwards.
So for the burnout argument to be true means that either our team is magically getting more wear and tear from the same efforts as other teams, that our forwards are less durable/fit than others, or that all teams will have the same problem.
I don’t think any of those are true.
The conclusion from this is-
Marys use of the bench is not optimal, but the problems are tactical within games, or building experience within younger players - not that it’s requiring excessive work from our pack.
I’d happily change my mind on this - but someone should point out which players are playing too much - and how it’s significantly greater than other players in the league in their position. There are plenty of hookers and second rowers playing 80 minutes most weeks.
There’s plenty of props averaging 50-55.