Springboks prop Trevor Nyakane, sidelined with a ruptured Achilles tendon, has been an avid observer of the recent Six Nations, where France, despite claiming the title, showed clear vulnerabilities in their scrummaging. The absence of the formidable Uini Atonio, who retired unexpectedly due to a heart attack, was deeply felt as France struggled to maintain their once-dominant scrum.
France began their campaign with a convincing 36-14 victory over Ireland and continued their winning streak with triumphs against Wales and Italy. However, their scrummaging issues became apparent in a high-scoring affair against Scotland, which they lost 50-40, and were evident again in their narrow victory over England. Despite these challenges, Les Bleus managed to clinch the Six Nations title for the second consecutive year, showcasing a free-flowing style of play that marked this year’s championship.
"They really miss that guy right now because their scrum is not the same anymore. And it used to be such a devastating weapon,"
Nyakane remarked on the "For The Love Of Rugby" podcast. He added,"If teams are to analyse it properly and actually try to take them on there, I think there’s room for this opportunity that you can really exploit them."
Nyakane’s insights are shaped by his extensive experience, including two seasons with Racing 92 in Paris, which gives him a deep understanding of French rugby dynamics. "I played there, so I know most of the guys that I played with there," he shared, reflecting on his time in France.
Steven Kitshoff, another former Springboks prop and double World Cup winner, echoed Nyakane’s sentiments. Having spent two years with Bordeaux-Begles, Kitshoff understands the integral role of the scrum in modern rugby. "Such a big part of modern-day rugby is how you dominate that territory battle with your set-piece and the scrum being a big part of it," Kitshoff observed. He emphasized the ripple effects of a weak scrum on a team's overall performance, noting that it disrupts timing in attack and structure in defense.
Both Nyakane and Kitshoff agree that while France has the talent and the league to develop a strong scrum, significant effort and expert coaching are required. As the rugby world looks forward to the summer series and next year’s fixtures, the focus will be on whether Les Bleus can address these issues and come back stronger, restoring their scrum to its former glory and securing their position as formidable opponents on the international stage.