I can’t recall ever seeing this confrontation. But here’s what would happen. They would jog up and down for a few seconds, then Malherbe would be turned slightly inside. He would stretch his left leg a bit further back to balance…. …and then the coup de grâce…..the Beast would drive down and the Malherbe belly flop would follow.
I think Malherbe has done a credible job, but the Beast aside, who are the great looseheads of this generation to challenge him? Nobody really since Marcos Ayerza.
I don't see this great technique. In an accurately called game Malherbe is toast. His work around the field hasn't been good the past few years either. With better conditioning he'd be an excellent prop in general play. His defensive work in the 2018 away test against Australia, when we were under siege in our 22, is an example of what he is capable of. His work at the breakdown and general play that year too. He is, however, never shown himself to be a particularly good scrummager. Like Kitshoff, his ceiling is to be solid. These two are not dominant in the scrum.
Vet Frans is the best duk prop since Tommie Loabscher.