All Blacks and World Rugby agree on some parts over Springbok scrum
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Disagree.
The All Blacks and World Rugby disagree over aspects of the Springbok scrum but ”agree in some” areas, with Dave Rennie shedding further light on the ongoing debate ahead of the final Test in Baltimore
New Zealand have previously raised their concerns with World Rugby during the Greatest Rivalry series, with South Africa’s scrum becoming one of the major talking points of the tour.
The issue was again raised following the Springboks’ 29-24 victory at FNB Stadium, where their scrum caused New Zealand problems once more.
“We can talk about scrums, but clearly our view and the view of World Rugby and the officials is different, so you just have to deal with that,” Rennie said.
“They don’t see it the way we do, and they’re the ones that matter on game day, so we will have to be better.
“I think on our ball the scrum was reasonably solid. We got it badly wrong on one and got punished with one of their feeds.”
Rennie acknowledged the scrum remains a significant weapon for the Springboks and conceded the All Blacks will have to find solutions themselves.
“It’s a weapon for them, and that’s the challenge. We want high continuity. If you make an error, they get to go to a set-piece, they get a penalty off that, and then they march up the field.
“It’s still an area we are going to have to be better in.”
Asked to elaborate on the difference of opinion with World Rugby, Rennie revealed there are some areas where the governing body agrees with New Zealand’s concerns, but others where their interpretations differ.
“We’ve said a few things, and we have spoken to World Rugby about it. They agree in some parts, but not necessarily on everything.”
Rennie also suggested the current focus on the hooker’s brake foot could prevent officials from identifying other issues at scrum time.
“To be honest, the sole focus at the moment seems to be the [hooker’s] brake foot. I reckon if referees are looking for the brake foot, they don’t see all the other things you are supposed to be looking at.
“I don’t think we are helping the referees by making their job any easier.”
Despite the ongoing debate, Rennie stressed that New Zealand could not blame the scrum for their defeat in Soweto.
“I don’t really want to talk about the scrum because in the end that was not the deciding factor in the game.
“South Africa are very good at creating opportunities and taking their chances. That maul where they scored under the posts – that was a big moment in the game.”
The scrum battle will once again be under the microscope in Baltimore on Saturday as South Africa look to complete a 3-1 series victory, while New Zealand are aiming to level the series at 2-2.
