All Blacks prop fires warning shot at Springboks ahead of third Test
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“I love to scrum.”
All Blacks prop George Bower has fired a warning shot at the Springboks ahead of Saturday’s third Test, insisting New Zealand are ready to meet South Africa head-on at scrum time.
The set-piece has dominated much of the build-up to the clash at FNB Stadium following a fiery war of words between Dave Rennie and Rassie Erasmus.
Rennie raised concerns over the Springboks’ scrum following the opening Test at Ellis Park, accusing South Africa of “walking around.”
Erasmus strongly rejected those claims following his side’s 33-26 victory in the second Test, setting the scene for another fascinating battle between the two packs in Soweto.
Bower, however, insists the All Blacks have no intention of trying to avoid one of South Africa’s greatest strengths.
“Oh, I love to scrum. I want to scrum,” Bower said.
The loosehead acknowledged the importance of the set-piece to the Springboks but believes New Zealand’s mindset at scrum time has developed since the opening Test.
“I know South Africa’s mindset is they pride themselves on their scrum, and they see it as their avenue to get penalties and move up the field. For us as well, you can see after Test one our mindset for our scrum is we’re right up there as well.”
South Africa will start with a formidable front row of Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx and Wilco Louw on Saturday, but Bower is relishing the opportunity to test himself against one of the strongest scrums in international rugby.
And after a week dominated by accusations and debate surrounding the set-piece, the 34-year-old believes the opening scrum at FNB Stadium will tell its own story.
“There’s been a lot of talk around both sides of the scrum, but it comes down to that first scrum. We’ll see who does the talking.”
Bower then delivered a clear message about the All Blacks’ intentions ahead of the third Test.
“We want to challenge them. We know they’re coming, but we’re coming too. I want to scrum, and I know my back five want to scrum as well.”
“As a pack, we must just focus on our connection and tightness, our brace and our set, and hopefully that nullifies what the South Africans bring this weekend.”
Bower has retained the All Blacks No.1 jersey for the third Test despite Ethan de Groot returning to fitness.
He will pack down alongside Asafo Aumua and Tyrel Lomax in a reshuffled New Zealand front row.
With the series locked at 1-1, the battle up front promises to once again play a major role as the Springboks and All Blacks collide at FNB Stadium on Saturday.
