Saru’s scrum solution
17 Mar 2010
Saru is forming an expert panel to address South African’s flagging scrum standards.
The state of the Springbok scrum and the poor performances of South African teams, such as the Sharks and Lions, is a major concern and this has prompted Saru to take action.
Last Thursday, the union organised a meeting with several former players and scrum experts to discuss the formation of a committee to help improve and maintain standards of scrumming from junior level right through to the Springboks.
World Cup-winning prop Balie Swart, who was one of the experts invited to this meeting, is positive this plan will be put into action. Robbie Kempson, Eddie Andrews, Os du Randt, Dougie Heymans were present, as were Saru manager of referees André Watson and official Tappe Henning.
‘The idea is for us to come together and help rebuild the South African scrum,’ Swart told keo.co.za. We will also advise the Bok selectors on who we think are the best scrummagers in the country. The selectors will still have the final say.
‘We are not going straight to the head, we will start working with coaches and players from U9 level so we can have a common understanding of scrumming in the country. For too long have different teams followed their own techniques which has led to mixed results. The committee will ensure everybody, junior and senior players, follow the correct methods.
‘We will also make sure that the techniques used are safe and accurate for all players, so there will be no danger of any serious neck or head injuries.
‘Nothing is concrete yet, we are still busy negotiating, but the word is that Saru has never had a more passionate, engaging meeting like the one we just had. There will be a follow-up soon, I predict some time next month, so I am positive things will fall into place.’
Swart added that no individual player can be criticised for the poor scrum performances by the Boks and Super 14 teams.
‘We used to be a powerful scrumming nation and we want to get back to that level. It’s not only one player who is the problem, it’s all eight men in the pack who hold the responsibility.
‘They are all supposed to be doing the same thing on impact. A lot of people are pointing fingers, but the truth is no individual can be blamed. The scrum techniques of some players are wrong or poor and we need to rectify this.
‘The referees are also not to blame, most of the times they get the calls right. The law is set, and the players need to follow these laws. That’s why André and Tappe were present, to gain a common understanding between players and refs as well.’
Saru manager of coaching Hilton Adonis has confirmed the meeting was successful from the union’s point of view.
‘The meeting was basically a blueprint to see what the chances are of former players or scrum experts being interested in joining the committee to review the scrum matters in the country,’ Adonis told this site. ‘We have identified certain individuals to join the advisory committee or scrum factory and we will meet again soon to take these plans further.’
By Gareth Duncan
– Read about Balie Swart’s mission to save the scrum in the new issue of SA Rugby magazine, on sale now
180 Comments
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17 Mar 2010, 14:49 pm
If they manage to roll out proper coaching prgrams at schools, and if this prevents just one neck injury, then I’ll considder it a success. If it breeds some scrumming monsters like Tommy Loubscher but with the mobility of a Robbie Kempson then so much the better.
Hey! Kempo is there. There must be an open bar.
17 Mar 2010, 14:49 pm
@Richie_7: It’s highly disturbing.
Tread carefully, this man has serious mental issues…
17 Mar 2010, 14:50 pm
LOL
You okes are such ladies…
17 Mar 2010, 14:54 pm
Everyone talks about the rugby brain of FdP, I reckon Smit actually has the best rugby brain of all. Some have said he was actually the person coaching the Boks (but we all know thats not true).
What player in the history of the game can take on all three positions in the front row with aplomb.
And that grubber…
Skills of the highest order.
17 Mar 2010, 14:55 pm
@grant10: I wouldnt be laughing if I were you ********.
Seek professional guidance to help you get over you obsession and inane infatuation with John Smit.
17 Mar 2010, 14:57 pm
@Heavens Game: Exactly the man’s a legend and deserves all the praise he receives..
Those who abuse him display their ignorance for all too see…
17 Mar 2010, 14:58 pm
@WP_: 106. Too true.
17 Mar 2010, 14:59 pm
@grant10: it seems WP_ has his own personal vendetta against you Grant, he is hounding you on every thread, lmao
i saw you warning the GrantV fellow to skrik wakker if he intends on using that nic…
17 Mar 2010, 15:00 pm
Just pick the right frickin players!!!
There doesn’t seem to be too much wrong with the Bulls, Cheetas and Stormers scrum??
Drop the Guppies!!
17 Mar 2010, 15:02 pm
Overall, I think it is a step in the right direction. We have serious problem at the monent with scrummaging and at least they have recognised it and want to rectify it.
Where they have selected the rightpeople or not is up for debate. However, I do believe that there is enough brains there to identify the problems that prevail and rectify them.
A good thing for me is that props will advise who they believe are the best scrummages in the country and not some guy who has never played there.
17 Mar 2010, 15:03 pm
@WP_: legends are infallible in your book? Well see what wyatt crockett did to the legend three weeks ago…you’re as good as your last game boet…
17 Mar 2010, 15:04 pm
@Transformation: Thanks for that bud!
17 Mar 2010, 15:05 pm
@Transformation: 111. That was a blip. Not to be repeated again. Surely…
And if it does, so what?
The Sharks loss against the Saders was not due to Smitty’s scrummaging.
17 Mar 2010, 15:06 pm
@Transformation: Didnt say he was infallable… I’m saying those who have a go at him for reasons other than being an average 3…
Basically I reckon when playing 2 he’s still the best option to start for the Boks..
17 Mar 2010, 15:08 pm
@Transformation: 108
LOL
They such little babies….the J Smit turbo reverse rah rah pom pom ladies….
cry me a river!!
17 Mar 2010, 15:09 pm
@Transformation: By the way… That wasnt his last game, lmao!
His last game was agianst the Brumbies mate…
@WP_: 114. And at 3 he gets by, not the best option but he’s as bad as people make out…
17 Mar 2010, 15:10 pm
@grant10: Real mature. How old are you 50 or 5?
17 Mar 2010, 15:11 pm
Crouch touch pause engage
17 Mar 2010, 15:13 pm
@Dawn: Bump ‘n grind..!!
17 Mar 2010, 15:14 pm
@WP_: 117
47 bud….and you?
17 Mar 2010, 15:15 pm
richie 7 is right…beach calls…
cheers all
outta here
17 Mar 2010, 15:15 pm
@grant10: 115. Did John Smit (Captain, Legend, WC Winner) ever spurn an advance from you, take your girlfriend/wife or insult your granny – because yor commentary on him is now showing “how to reverse at 0 to 100 km per hour without doing a hammie….”
17 Mar 2010, 15:18 pm
John Smit was a good player.
He was a VERY good captain.
He is no longer good enough for inclusion in the Bok team.
Just deal with it, give him his due honour and get a new captain so we can move on. That will solve everyone’s problems.
17 Mar 2010, 15:18 pm
@WP_: @Heavens Game:wyatt crockett is walking around christchurch saying “i shoved the sh*t out john smit, they’re whole scrum was in turbo reverse”, is he lying?
Benn Robinson can say the same, so can the French, Irish & Italian loosehead props.
The question is, has bismarck lost the form that forced the Springbok management to move the “best scrummaging hooker in the world” to tighthead?
17 Mar 2010, 15:20 pm
@Transformation: @111
I saw that 1 with my own eyes. I think Smit went off 3-4 times during that match for running-repairs, then subbed. I didnt rate Davey Crockett before or after either. Mind you, Beast was similarly smashed by Ben Franks and I rate him even less. Owen Franks, now there is a prop on the up !
I cant understand this obsession with taking frontrowers and making them cover all positions. If there is ever a position for specialists in rugby union then it is most certainly the front row. Check out da Malmuncha for eg. Scrums like a prop, because he is one. And throws like girl. And still they persevere…
17 Mar 2010, 15:21 pm
@Tacitus: you now officailly going to have to buy a bullet proof vest…..
i know of a decent deal….i have plenty….especially when i visit Durban….bugger the heat…i still wear 2 just in case i bump into Rangerman with that damn hunting rifle of his…
17 Mar 2010, 15:23 pm
@Transformation: Bissy has always been best coming on as an impact player,less time to get a yellow I presume..?
Smit should start at 2…and get back into happy hooking shape..!!
17 Mar 2010, 15:24 pm
@Tacitus: @Black Panther: @Black Panther: @Tacitus:
Please 3 wise men….stop all this treasonable talk….just because you all make perfect sense and speak truthfully does not exempt you from the gallows for dare suggesting Smit is struggling….
Come on now…i can understand the kiwi…but Tacitus and Transformation????
Clearly not allowed…all this sanity and honesty….sis man!!
17 Mar 2010, 15:25 pm
@grant10: 128
sorry…meant you as well transformation
17 Mar 2010, 15:27 pm
@Tacitus: That’s your opinion.
I have a feeling it might be diffent to old Uncle Snor’s opinion however.
@Transformation: Yes I think he has. I’d say he should be benched for the Boks this year. But even then pressure is being put on by G Botha and T Libenberg…
17 Mar 2010, 15:28 pm
@grant10:
A common misconception is that your average Kevlar vest will stop any bullet hurtling in your direction. That is a fallacy.
Kevlar vests will stop handgun bullets, which usually travel at a velocity of between 800 and 1300 feet per second.
However, a hunting rifle bullet will travel at a velocity in excess of 2800 feet per second. It will shred straight through a Kevlar vest.
For protection against a rifle bullet, you would need something with ceramic plating at the front and back, and then it will most likely only be in functioning condition for a single impact.
That kind of thing is a bit heavy to wear around on your average visit to Durban, I would think.
So sorry, if Rangerman is out to get you with his hunting rifle, a lightweight protective vest ain’t gonna make much difference, unfortunately.
17 Mar 2010, 15:28 pm
@Tacitus: You wouldnt happen to have anyone in mind Tac? A certain Mr. Matfield perhaps?
17 Mar 2010, 15:30 pm
@WP_: Tac just wants Vic to get a chance,but at this rate him and Barney will retire at the same time imo…
17 Mar 2010, 15:31 pm
@grant10: @128
heres a bucket of cold water for you……
J.Wilko – “the greatest no10 ever” – in your humble opinion, dropped like a dogs dinner for Toby Drought.
It takes some longer to see the light I suppose. I suggest you stick to your frontrow, G10, because you cannae pick flyhalfs for jam.
17 Mar 2010, 15:32 pm
@Taahirah: 132. Anyone but Smit it seems.
17 Mar 2010, 15:33 pm
If Rangerman aims for your body with a hunting rifle it means he can’t shoot in any case, so you might just aswell walk around with no bp-jacket…
17 Mar 2010, 15:34 pm
@Tacitus: 131
iN THAT CASE THE sTORMERS GOING TO HAVE TO DO WITHOUT MY SUPPORT ON THE 8 MAY…..
FAILING WHICH I WILL WEAR A j sMIT SHARKS NO 3 JERSEY…..THOSE SHARKIES WILL NEVER GUESS ITS g10!!!
sorry caps
17 Mar 2010, 15:36 pm
@Black Panther: 134
Good heavens…..i cant believe it….
hell the sharks will have him in a flash……
I suppose Morne Steyn now assumes the best in the world mantle BP??
17 Mar 2010, 15:37 pm
@Blouste: 136
No…i reckon the bugger will pin me with 1 between the eyes!!
17 Mar 2010, 15:39 pm
@grant10: 137. In that case, you must be a WC winning, BI Lions conquering, AB 3-duck leading, 3N prevailing Bok Captain and legend too…
17 Mar 2010, 15:45 pm
@Heavens Game: 140
Nah….not quite…..
but i had my lesser moments.
17 Mar 2010, 15:46 pm
@grant10:
Morne the Metronomic is certainly proving himself to be more than just a kicking FH this year, as Ive said for a while. No problem recognising exceptional talent when its due, G10. And the Boks will be far harder to beat when he does finally decide to stop kicking the leather off the pill. Surely Ireland and France proved that beyond all reasonable doubt.
The only thing that marked out Wilko as more than a kicking FH (eg a G.Fox or Naasty Boota) was his incredible ability in the tackle. But with ever more suffocating defensive patters in modern rugby, he looked more and more woefully limited. Morne cant tackle other than scragging but he has added real variety this year, no doubt.
17 Mar 2010, 15:54 pm
@Black Panther: well…sadly it seems the legend has had father time and an ailing injured body catch up with him.
Seems Johnson doesent suffer from the sentimentality disease that so suffocates SA Rugby.
DC ,Giteau and MS…..
3 helleva talented 10 s….
17 Mar 2010, 15:57 pm
@Black Panther:
142. Hello BP.
Morne Steyn was, if remember correctly, the top try scorer in the junior world cup, and at inside centre! There’s nothing wrong with his defence/attack.
17 Mar 2010, 15:58 pm
@Black Panther: 142. Can agree here. Wow, whats happening, BP you speak sense above.
17 Mar 2010, 16:00 pm
@grant10: Wilkinson has taken a lot of punishment in recent weeks and had to go off against Scotland. He’ll be our 10 at the World Cup, just needs to recover.
17 Mar 2010, 16:01 pm
@grant10: 141. Thats alright then, off to some coaching by Smitty and then you will easily deputise.
17 Mar 2010, 16:03 pm
@Big Hit: 146. Wilko needs a scrumhalf with rapid service and a decent pass.
17 Mar 2010, 16:03 pm
@Heavens Game: 147
No thanks….
i can turbo reverse without any assistance from cappie…
17 Mar 2010, 16:04 pm
@Heavens Game: agree Danny Care isn’t the man for No.9, Johnno’s been slow on that one (as slow as Care’s service actually)
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