There were no relevant rules printed in last year's program but the 2016 program included General Rules as follows, assuming they havent changed for 2018:
All players are required to play the eqivalent of at least one full game ( 2 × 30 min halves = 60 minutes) and be selected at least once in the run on XV.
23 players per squad with at least 2 players nominated who can play in each of the positions of loose head prop, hooker & tight head prop. And at least 3 players who can play lock.
A team can substitute up to 3 front rowers and up to 5 other players as well as replacing any injured players during a game.
4 points for a win
2 points for a draw
1 point for a loss by 7 points or less.
0 points for a loss by more than 7 points.
1 point for scoring 4 or more tries.
There are other Rules concerning teams drawn on points before the final day.
In the case of a drawn match on the final day the 2 teams will be declared equal winners.
No idea about which reserve bench is named first but it was a popular theory in 2016 that the NSW2 bench was named first.
The 1 teams are at a disadvantage,
Your reserve Hooker is actually the 4th choice. The 2 team takes the 2nd and 3rd choice.
It would be the same for all positions. But set piece is so critical. You have the best Hooker who never misses a throw and always hooks the ball in the scrum. And is as good as a 7 around the field.
He gets injured or subbed off and you get not next best. Or second next best. You get 4th.
Set piece and general play is going to drop. That is going to effect the performance of the team.
Same would apply for most positions. The 1 10 is a world beater destined for the Wallabies, the reserve is a fine Schoolboy utility back but not in the same league.
All the reserves must be given a full game. So every sub is critical.
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