Springbok scrum dominance is incredible - Schalk Brits
FILE. Schalk Brits praised the Springboks’ scrum dominance in their 24-13 victory over Ireland in Dublin, highlighting their strategic focus on grinding down the Irish and reflecting on Ireland’s rise. Picture: Filippo Monteforte/AFP
Image: Filippo Monteforte/AFP
One of the most pleasing aspects of the Springboks’ first win against Ireland in Dublin in 13 years was the physical dominance in the scrum, according to former South Africa hooker Schalk Brits.
The Springboks won 24-13, as Ireland received four yellow cards, and a 20-minute red, while the visitors were dealt a yellow.
However, many pundits have pointed out that the Springboks could have scored many more points on the night if they had chosen to go for posts instead of opting for scrum after scrum in the Ireland 22 near the end of the Test.
The consensus was that the Springboks were solely focussed on grinding down the Irish, and that was especially pleasing for Brits.
Dominant Scrum and Mauling Lead to Victory: Brits Reflects on Ireland’s Rise and Wales’ Challenges
"So, to win there again was amazing. The dominance from a scrum perspective was incredible. The reality is we've made that a big weapon for us,” Brits told CoinPoker.com.
“For any team that goes backward in a scrum... people who haven't been in the front row won't understand what that lactic acid buildup is like if you keep scrumming and keep going backward. The morale of you as a hooker or a tighthead prop is just demoralised. That dominance was impressive.
"The mauling was impressive too. It's very hard, because I still think Ireland is probably one of the teams that innovates the most; they are a very clever side in how they approach the game and what moves they play.”
While Eben Etzebeth is the last remaining player from that victory in 2012, the retired Brits was also in the team that day.
"In 2012, I was in the team that won there at the Aviva Stadium, and that was pretty special. Of course, we didn't expect the rise of Ireland to be as vast as it has been.
"Andy Farrell is, I must say, not just a great coach but an amazing human being. Back then, Wales was our "bogey team" - or a lot of teams were our bogey team! In the last couple of years, Ireland has been our bogey team.”