But some observed that the move also enabled their coach to make substitutions without using a precious time-out.

ECONOMIST: Cheating in sport

With the Republic continuing to make substitutions, the Danes had chances in the final quarter with Peter Lovenkrands and Rommedahl guilty of bad misses and Bendtner heading against the Republic woodwork for the second time.

BBC: SPORT | Football | Internationals | Denmark 0-4 Republic of Ireland

O'Sullivan rejected criticism of his decision not to make early substitutions.

BBC: O'Driscoll blow adds to Irish woe

Gatland took the bold decision to make wholesale substitutions, taking off both half-backs along with his loose-head, his hooker and captain and number eight Ryan Jones.

BBC: Gatland promises more tinkering

He made six changes to his side for the trip to Oakwell - and had to make two first-half substitutions.

BBC: Barnsley 3-2 Burnley

Eriksson seems set to ignore Fifa criticism and make a rash of half-time substitutions.

BBC: Ledley King is poised to start for England