Ex-Springboks hooker Hanyani Shimange, affectionately known as Shimmy, has praised tighthead prop Wilco Louw for a rare scrummaging feat in the clash against Scotland at Loftus Versfeld. Shimmy, along with fellow ex-Boks Jean de Villiers and Schalk Burger, discussed the round two Nations Championship match on The Verdict podcast.
The set-piece is a hotly debated topic in South Africa, and Scotland largely rose to the challenge, with Pierre Schoeman and Zander Fagerson performing strongly. However, Shimange highlighted a key moment where Louw outmaneuvered Schoeman, while also commending referee Pierre Brousset for his officiating.
De Villiers noted the rarity of a refereed scrum contest, usually dominated by one side. Shimange attributed this to the involvement of South African scrum coaches Daan Humaan and Pieter de Villiers, who encourage a more aggressive approach.
Burger added that French referees tend to allow more contests, which he believes is a positive change. The trio analyzed the first scrum, where the Springboks initially seemed to gain the upper hand but eventually lost control due to a mistake by number eight Evan Roos.
The fourth scrum, however, showcased Louw's power and skill. Shimmy described it as a rare occurrence, as loosehead props typically push up, not tightheads. This particular scrum saw Louw power forward, lifting Schoeman off his feet and popping out of the scrum, a feat usually seen with the other way around.
Burger praised the contest and the players' determination, while Shimmy emphasized the importance of a proper contest, allowing for a more engaging match. De Villiers concluded by commending the referee's performance, noting that he allowed the contest to unfold, despite some indecisiveness.
This article highlights the importance of refereeing in set-piece contests and the impact of coaching strategies on the outcome of scrums. It also showcases the rare and impressive feat of a tighthead prop powering out of a scrum, adding a layer of excitement to the game.
