post-match scrummaging analysis

[notdeadyet]

It amuses me that anyone really believes you have to be an ex front row etc to know scrumming, and even what goes on in front row. I played second row for more years than I really recall now, and I used to laugh at some antics I saw props etc get up to. But also like any job in rugby, it's not as complicated as people can pretend. Also think we tend to forget how bloody important he second row is in a scrum, there is a reason they are called locks, that was their job, to lock scrum, and when required, back up props by pushing on angle as they forced (not always legally) their opponent either in or out, depending if they trying to squeeze or seperate the hooker. Loosies also played a a huge part, but would also in most cases see how props etc worked.
I always laughed when commentators used to come up with quips like 'how does the ref know, he probably never been in front row". Following that reasoning, you would need a ref for every position on field.

:... to lock scrum, and when required, back up props by pushing on angle as they forced (not always legally) their opponent either in or out, depending if they trying to squeeze or seperate the hooker.", THIS
ideal, so, i take it, an 8 is worth listening to on the art of the lock ???

 

[HogansHeros]

As a tighthead, id never pretend I know all the subtleties that goes on behind me. Sure I can work out how to bind in as a lock, and have had to in desperate times, but I am no where near as comfortable or knowledgable of that position, due to the lack of 100s of scrums ive packed in the front row, not the second.

Id be happy to give general comment on basic technique that someone learning second row might need, but if one of my mates who was a second rower was there, id 100% hand over to them.

 

[Strewthcobber]

It is true that, if your scrum is going backwards, a lot of the time the first place you should look is the body shape of the second row.