The amazing Bok scrum

The Beast is one of my five favorite Bok players and Os was the best loosehead of his day. But since Ox Niche arrived our dominance at scrum time is almost inexplicable, The only scrum that has survived against this Bok scrum of the 2020s is Ireland and only just.

No side has looked like they can put any pressure on the Bok scrum. And they have huge men, France and Os have giant props, why can they never move us an inch backwards.

This phenomenon is noted, but not played up. But it is the center piece of our recent success. It sets the tone between packs….decides the physically dominant pack. The psychological effect is huge. But 3 or 4 scrum penalties are huge, worth a 100 metres, enough to decide any close test. It doesn’t end there, the quality of opposition ball is often desperate….with the scrummie scrambling back to secure the ball. It means our loosies can disengage earlier whereas the opposition has to stay bound.

Huge….and yet one doesn’t get the sense that any opposition coaches have a plan.

Don’t forget the hard work of Frans and now Wilco! Ox, Marx and Wilco, is a devastating combo.

I think Ox is the best of the 3 in Beast and Os

Malherbe has been a great servant for the Boks but Wilco is even more dominant

Marx has to be one of the strongest scrummaging hookers ever

So that’s one hell of a platform

Add Eben behind the tighthead and what should be RG behind the loosehead finished off with the bulk of PSDT and Wiese and that’s a recipe for an unstoppable scrum

Wilco took the Bok scrum to a whole new level this year.

Which makes it even more puzzling that he has been moved to the bench

There is a benefit in Thomas’s allround game but surely start Wilco to achieve scrum dominance then bring Thomas on to keep the scrum solid but add loads of value in general play

How soon we forget the great forwards of the past and their strength and skills in the Green and Gold.

Jaap Bekker,

Chris Koch,

Frik du Preez,

Mark Andrews,

Gary Teichmann,

just to name a few.

I could be wrong, but I think the most dominant scrum against New Zealand was when Ox Nche was off the pitch. I think Wilco Louw had just got on the pitch.

Starting with Wilco Louw and Nxche Ox might be best, or perhaps keeping them both on the bench and bringing them both on in the 2nd half to demolish the opposition scrum.

Thomas' side does not go as far forward as it does with Wilco Louw on the pitch. Thomas might be starting as he is better in the loose and at the breakdown.

Playing devil's advocate and 100% speculating;

All things being equal, fatigue is the biggest cause of errors.

Players are more fatigued in the 2nd half.

By that logic you might get more scrums in the final 40.

Adrenaline dumps are a real thing.

Is it better to start or finish more dominantly?

Ideally, I'd want Ox, Marx and Wilco starting every game and playing 60 minutes. But assume they can only give you 40. Is it better to start or finish with them...or to split them up?

There’s a NZ ladies shotputter that could strengthen their front row.

The cheerleaders would make more of an impact off the bench than the All Blacks' reserve front row.