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This is the forum for Roarers to share their thoughts, fears and (happy) tears about the scrum. Everybody is welcome. Forwards, backs, referees, fans, non-fans.
This is the place to inspect and measure the big squeeze. Which players and teams are the best? Who is the fairest? They are not always the same thing.
The Scrumma-mogram: Showcasing one of rugby’s best assets
The scrumma-mogram espouses the scrum’s benefits and its role in making the glorious game of rugby – even more glorious. It is also intended to debunk common household myths about the foundation of rugby:
First myth: there is a myth that the scrum cancerously eats into valuable ‘running rugby’ time, especially of the illustrious Randwick variety. No way!
Second myth: there are those who think that the scrum is a dark and dirty practice, instead of a display of power and commitment to the team. No way!
Finally, there is the myth that only scrummagers can appreciate the scrum. No way!
Diggercane says: You see, the scrum is a thing of beauty and defines this game of rugby union, the constant battle for possession. It is not merely a way to have a quick breather or to restart play; it is a test of character, teamwork, skill, technique and cunning.
It is a weapon. It is something which takes years to foster, develop and perfect. It is its own martial art, split with eight different forms. It allows you to stamp your mark on a match, to test your opponent, remind him of his place. The scrum provides you with a stable platform to attack, a means to win back possession if you are good enough, and a way to earn opportunities for points if you are a smart enough.
There is no better feeling than driving your opponents back and into the dirt. To dominate. To stand over your opponent and politely enquire after their family’s health. It feeds the primeval blood lust in all of us, but done with finesse and exhibiting control.
It separates the men from the boys, or more to the point, the forwards from the backs.
So why the name “Scrum-mogram”? We have all heard about the mammogram. Just like a scrum, it is an instrument that squeezes the most uncomfortable places. Its value lies in measuring and monitoring your physical condition – with the general intention to show you are cancer free.
Just like the mammogram, the Scrumma-mogram delivers a good squeeze of the big squeeze, for close inspection. It highlights the strategy, preparation, and execution of the scrum in more detail and in some cases, in slow-motion. This way, you can start to see the game within the scrum in itself. Hopefully, you will see that the game time taken by scrums is not a cancer in rugby. But it is instead, a wholesome and magnificent integral part of the game.
We will look at different aspects, depending on the occasion. On most occasions, we highlight how it impacts the game. It ranges from player selection, match ups, execution and details such as binds, engagement, posture, coordination, push, hook, clearance etc.
Diggercane says: It’s about broadening our own knowledge. No one knows everything. We can learn from each scrum to gain an appreciation of tactics, form and understanding, of the scrums evolution and how the rules are applied and while trying to analyse, learn from the tried and true knowledge available to us on the Roar.
biltongbek says: Imagine picking up a dozen glass bottles in one go, pretty hard is it not? Now imagine picking them up and squeezing them tight enough so that the tightness of your hold doesn’t allow for one to slip out. That is a solid scrum!
Ireland v New Zealand 1973
Today, we start by looking at a bit of history, the first squeeze by the scrumma-mogram was from 22 years ago. It is a 1973 test match between Ireland hosting the All Blacks. It shows how scrums were engaged, played and refereed – in the good old days. The video speaks for itself.
biltongbek says: Notice how the players dictate the hit, no input from the referee, then watch the bind between the Irish tighthead and New Zealand loose head. The Irishman is binding on the arm, the New Zealand player is slow on the bind and therefore his elbow is pointed towards the ground. If he were faster on the hit and bound first he could square his elbow perpendicular to the ground lock, and have the wood over the Irish prop.
Diggercane says: Wish they would run towards scrums today too. Show a bit more enthusiasm I say!
Chiefs hosting Brumbies: Serious business
We look at a series of serious engagements between some serious forwards, freshly squeezed by the scrumma-mogram. It was a battle royale worthy of note, starring the two Scotts (Sio and Fardy), Rory Arnold, Gerard Butler. Ben Tameifuna also features, the man who’s going to teach Sio a lesson. Others included are Brodie Retallick, Hika Elliot, Liam Messam and Maama Vaipulu. Lesson of this series: ‘He who laughs last, laughs best’.
Diggercane says: The work coming in from the locks is one to take in here, along with the angles of the flankers. If ever there was an example of why the scrum is an eight man effort, the last scrum demonstrates this perfectly along with why depth within a squad is important.
biltongbek says: During the scrum in the final minute, notice the work Brodie Retallick puts in on the tight head side to dominate that scrum.
Rebels hosting Waratahs: Variations of the NSW backpeddle
Finally, a couple of interesting scrums between the Rebels and the Waratahs. The first one shows how scrum halves can play a role in back peddling a scrum – in a unique way. It stars Luke Burgess, Nick Phipps, Michael Hooper, Stephen Hoiles and a try scorer. Oh yes, 13 other guys are also there.
The second scrum highlights Paddy Ryan and Co’s remarkable scrum defence. Check out Jacque Potgieter’s excellent posture and hard yakka at flank. Check out who’s having a good old peek on the other side.
Diggercane says: Halfbacks are a pain. That is all.
Summary
Ok that’s it. I hope it was fun for you guys. We appreciate your thoughts on this. Comments are welcome. Observations are appreciated. Questions are even more appreciated – no question is too stupid. And anyone can answer! Also, feel free to request any other engagements you want to be ‘Scrumma-mogramed’.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.