Springboks respond after All Blacks raise scrum concerns with World Rugby
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Scrum time.
The Springboks have responded after the All Blacks raised concerns with World Rugby over South Africa’s scrum tactics ahead of Saturday’s second Test in Cape Town.
South Africa enjoyed significant dominance at scrum time during periods of the opening Test at Ellis Park, but All Blacks coach Dave Rennie revealed on Thursday that New Zealand have since spoken to World Rugby about issues they identified in the set-piece battle.
“Scrum-wise, we’ve spoken with World Rugby about a couple of issues from our point of view, and so we think scrum-wise we’ll be a lot better,” Rennie said.
The All Blacks coach then outlined one of New Zealand’s concerns.
“We think if they’re forced to scrum square and not be able to step sideways and walk around us …”
Bok replacement loosehead Gerhard Steenekamp was penalised for that offence at a crucial scrum in the 55th minute of the opening Test, which New Zealand went on to win 33-16.
Springbok prop Thomas du Toit has now responded to Rennie’s comments, insisting South Africa attempt to operate within the laws while acknowledging that scrum decisions can often be interpreted differently.
“I can’t really make any comments on what Dave Rennie has spoken to World Rugby about, but we try and stay within the laws of the game as much as we can and as much as we perceive it,” Du Toit said.
“There are always two sides to the coin. One person sees one thing, one person sees another thing. So one person’s walking around as the other person’s straight. Something happens on the other side of the scrum as well.
“The ref can only blow what he sees in front of him. So much credit has to go to the referees and the way that they see these things. They try and see everything and it must be so difficult to get that part right.
“In hindsight, everything is easier to look at. Yes, you could probably make a case both ways.
“As far as what New Zealand are speaking to the refs about, we just try and focus on what we do well and hopefully get reward for it.”
Du Toit has been named on the Springbok bench for Saturday’s second Test after missing out on the matchday 23 at Ellis Park.
And the prop expects another major battle between the two packs in Cape Town.
“The scrum battle, like every other week, is going to be something interesting,” said Du Toit.
“We’ve trained hard this week. I’m sure they’ve trained as hard as they could this week. Everyone’s trying to bring their A game to Saturday.
“It’s something that we pride ourselves on, and they obviously pride themselves on.
“The important thing is staying within the rules, trying to scrum forward on both sides of the pack, loosehead and tighthead side.
“The reality of it is you need to show the referee a good picture – a good picture in your bind and your setup, scrumming forward on both sides, staying within the rules and trying to show dominance.”
That battle will now be overseen by Angus Gardner after World Rugby confirmed on Thursday that the Australian will replace the ill Nika Amashukeli as referee for the second Test.
With the Springbok scrum having caused the All Blacks significant problems at Ellis Park, the set-piece battle is shaping up as one of the key areas of Saturday’s encounter as South Africa look to level the four-Test series.
