So who has the best scrum in the world?

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They have a phrase in France: No Scrum No Win. However, across the world what makes for a good scrum, and particularly what makes for the best scrum, looks different, team to team. Time for an investigation into whether or not the Springboks really do have the best scrum in the world, and perhaps more importantly, why.
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[@adrianhall4547]

One of the biggest advantages of a powerful scrum is that the opposition pack is quickly utterly exhausted. Been there and remember the "jelly legs" syndrome.

[@CC-vq1yg]

And then every time someone drops the ball heads lower because we're about to get shoved back again 🤣

[@greenplasticgun]

*angry World Rugby screeching noises*

[@Chris____zzzzz]

This video probably awakened the brainless zombie known as Ben Smith to start mashing a keyboard in anger.

[@loicalex]

The Boks have the best tactical scrum. Doesn't mean they have the best stats, tho they're the most versatile and situational by far

[@cameronharte5494]

It’s also important to note that international scrums are probably a tougher setting than club, but also they have the advantage of pulling from multiple leagues to combat that.

[@wjcvwcrsa]

If it is possible and of course if you are interested, Chasing the Sun 2 Episode 4 focuses the Springboks scrum coach and team training in that aspect. Just to provide another approach and considerations to this element of the game. Thank you for this 👍

[@falkkiwiben]

There's nothing more Squidge then to talk about Super Rugby for the first time in a long time in a video about scrums. Never change

[@mikewartnaby]

As a South African, NZ's scrum has always impressed me, they go head to head against us and hold strong.

[@fabienjean5875]

Agreed. There is not many times we have out scrumed them

[@douglasreed007]

It wasn't Foster's strong point until Ryan was brought in.

[@calmingcoffeerain6217]

NZ have a scary scrum especially with the deadly hand to follow

[@oldblack15]

Nz knows that competing with south African scrum is the pinnacle.

[@MikeC-my4lf]

I'm an American...53 years old and 1 month into watching the greatest sport ever...rugby! My goodness....I watched the NFL since I was 5 or 6, NEVER enjoyed watching a sport more in my life than rugby. Very quickly understood: I prefer Union to League, Springboks and All Blacks are some of the absolute greatest matches a human can watch, the Scrum and Mauling are the absolute pinnacle of manly testerone examples of raw power and thrill in all of sport. Aaaaahhhhhhhh thank you NZ and S Africa. After a month, favorite international team: Springboks, favorite English Premiere team: tie between Bath and Seracens, favorite NRL team: Storm.

[@jdilla8267]

How Glasgow won the URC video please, pretty please with haggis on top....

[@iteamy]

plz x2

[@tiaanvandenberg1467]

From a Bulls supporter, Glasgow fans would thoroughly deserve a Squidge video on their team's amazing season

[@username-iq1nt]

Really curious how they were so formidable..unlike the Scotland national side…

[@MrCravendish]

Yeah that would be amazing, so happy for Glasgow. I'm in Edinburgh hoping this inspires our team

[@wouterroos2359]

Im still salty about that game. Congratulations though.

[@colinwyatt-goodall4632]

Proud south african here (Full on "weve won it 4 times kind of fan") and id say the AB scrumm is well underrated. We struggled quite a bit against them in the final, and they had a back as 1 of their 8. I cant think of many games where we were dominant in the scrums vs the AB's in my lifetime.

[@joepunk90]

Can't wait to play the mighty Bokke in the Rugby Championship. Always the games i look forward to most. Abs vs Bokke games are on another level. Go the ABs. :)

[@colinwyatt-goodall4632]

@@joepunk90 couldn't agree more. This is the one game that matters most to me in world rugby as it is a true measure of where we are. It also what makes the 95 and 23 finals just that much more special for us because it is against the greatest rugby nation in the world. The AB's are a worthy adversary and the only team that can truely bring out the best in springbok rugby. We may have gotten the better of you guys when it mattered in the finals but I'd happily admit that overall you guys have generally just been that one step ahead.....but with rassi we are catching up ;) Much respect

[@joepunk90]

@@colinwyatt-goodall4632 respect brother. I never really thought about it but every time we meet you in the RWC finals we lose. That is my new benchmark for All Blacks success, not just winning a world cup, but beating SA in the final to do it. Bring on RWC2027. See if it happens... Good luck for The rugby championship - not too much luck though ;)

[@boikymcclain449]

Don’t forget we had no hooker all game that’s why our scrum and lineouts were gone

[@stevedavidson666]

Only once Frizell had cynically deliberately got rid of Bongi.

[@Skyscraper2015]

I think it is safe to say the Springboks have the best two scrummaging packs in the world because in training they scrum against each other. The starting scrum pack will practice scrummaging against the Bomb Squad in training which means that the Bomb Squad will by definition be as good as the Starting Pack.

[@PatrickAndrews-e6v]

Against a poor England scrum even your 3rd front row would've looked world class.

[@pmarkc3743]

My god, I as a Saffa and SUPER BOK supporter almost had anxiety at the the end of this vid thinking Squidge not gonna say Springboks the best playing at our favorite part of rugby! Thankfully Squidge is a wise man and reason prevailed.

[@sachadaitz9677]

Top comment, sir!

[@bigmac2722]

Great video as always squidge! One thing though, you mention the welsh were getting the ball out of the scrum quickly in order to make the other team's forwards run and therefore tire them out. As a front rower, I can promise there are very few things in rugby that are more tiring than a scrum, especially the tight five!

[@jadebotes2128]

Squidge had us all on strings for 13 minutes😂😂

[@myronalcock4716]

I guessed Portugal. My cat said Bokke.

[@jacqueslaubscher1800]

can we get the Drua to play the Springboks...just want to verify something.

[@soidog659]

Yebo baba

[@cornellkannemeyer1614]

😂

[@ruan12335]

ja ja ja the BOKKE OBVIOUSLY RAAAAASSSIIEEEE

[@rts3618]

Wait, what was that bit on Canada 10 person scrum?! Would love a broader history of scrummaging

[@randomlyfactual1943]

Absolutely love this video. There is more than one way to use a scrum and there is more than one way to define what a good scrum is for you. By extension, there is more than one way to assess a player's worth. It depends how you use it and how it ties into your gameplan.

[@olglez9230]

You've outdone yourself again with another amazing video! Your level of detail and analysis is second to none! This is actually a very complex question and a very interesting answer r

[@fitch1]

Huge improvement on the audio quality since the last one I watched, please keep this setup Squidge!

[@allthetime3000]

First minute: It's South Africa. Fifteenth minute: It's probably South Africa. Everything in between: Pure joy. Missed you Squidge.

[@wonkocap]

squidge clearly missed the Italy U20 scrum this year. Italy U20 whole game plan is "have a scrum, destroy the opponent pack, win a penalty, lose the ball, have a scrum, repeat"

[@CiaranArdren]

Celebrate with a scrum 🎉

[@thewelshdm]

Absolutely loving the content this year lads! Keep it up

[@seatoskyadventures6130]

Saffa here. Love the incredible knowledge squidge delivers, there simply is no equal. Cheers Bru 🇿🇦🍻

[@PatrickAndrews-e6v]

LOL! 15 against 14 in a world cup final with a back in the forwards and NZ still had the best scrum!

[@thegoat4124]

Dont be so fragile lad. Everyone knows the Boks have the best scrum in the world 🙂

[@kwedini1181]

😂😂😂😂😂get over it Boy... Move along

[@president6645]

Take a look at the 35 -7 scrum at Twickenham. Springbok dominate.

[@sportrocdoc2237]

Great analysis as always.

[@nickcharnley19]

this made me miss packing down. I played all over, but props get my vote, if you have a good one it will be a good day

[@salusetsengiwe8686]

Man, youtube aint the same when you are quiet.

[@baz770]

Thanks for pointing out the FD and their scrum this year. When i saw the footage of them being beaten (once) that you put up,...... it was the Blues - yep, they won the cup this year. Took the best to beat them! (for the record i am in Perth and go for the Force).

[@toby8381]

Great video guys - really enjoyed that 🤙

[@Burninglash]

One of the big thing about scrums is the poor way tv covers them. Its drama if you zoom in but instead they zoom out. You miss the wrestle.

[@santos.l.halper1999]

Georgia has left the chat

[@jameswyatt4443]

South African club teams are hindered by having to scrum against each other for so many games each year. And generally I would say the URC teams of all the leagues in the world have the strongest scrums.

[@bobchmi3855]

you made the correct choice in the end.

[@Jesus_is_Lord_316]

After yesterday’s game I just had to come back here and comment on that last Springbok scrum that destroyed Ireland. Just wow!!

[@alex.velasco]

Thank you! You really should have a newspaper column.

[@timgregory82]

genuine question - why was there no penalty against the boks in the final scrum of the WC final?

[@PhansiKhongoloza]

Should there have been???

[@joepunk90]

There is a clip in this video where Faf is at least 2 days offside. Still, doesn't matter now bro, it's done. Can't win em all.

[@jalgunn]

Great insights Squidge once again.

[@3three2two1one100]

Dankie Squidgy! 💪🏻🤙🏻

[@flyingllama2315]

Love the video. Club vs international scrums aren't that comparable to each other. It's like comparing a heavy weight boxer to a light weight boxer. The question should be who has the best scrum internationally and who has the best scrum in club.

[@Jesus_is_Lord_316]

And yes, of course it's the Springboks :)) Nice video!

[@ChaseCarneson]

Absolutely love your videos!

[@itsovergetuptherejoe]

This channel and these guys are awesome!!!

[@myleslea5483]

The Springboks. End of video😂😂😂

[@Didi-rt3tr]

The scrum from the Italian U20 team was pretty good this year, especially in the game against france.

[@iteamy]

hit the notification harder than a Charlie Ewels tackle

[@jonnybaynham1689]

illegally...?

[@iteamy]

@@jonnybaynham1689 his Wiki page currently reads "On 22 June 2024, in his first international appearance following the red card against Ireland, Ewels was given a red card after attempting to remove the kneecap of Japan's Michael Leitch at a ruck on 73 minutes." hahah

[@levigriffiths8213]

Best scrum?" South Africa, South Africa B, South Africa C, South Africa Women, South Africa Schools then the rest of the world

[@HayManned]

Forgot to mention the Stormers, Bulls, Sharks, Cheetahs, Pumas, Lions, Border, Griquas, Griffons, Limpopo Bulls, Boland and Eastern Province

[@braaitongs]

Hahahah

[@mackwinton9092]

funny

[@andrewlowry2142]

Made me smile, thanks

[@thomasgilbert8321]

England women have by far had away the most effective and impactful scrum in women's scrum. But other than them, I'm in total agreement haha!

[@GBH001]

The boks is the obvious answer. As a NZer, it’s not their scrum that concerns me as we are more than capable in that area and the boks couldn’t get an advantage when we had a back packing down on the side. The ABs will have a very good scrum again this year (need to replace the push from Retallick though) so this will be another fascinating battle when we meet the boks this year

[@mikezog1030]

Another great video - making us think.

[@DonovanBanks]

This video was shorter than the average time it takes from the whistle blows to scrum completion.

[@theledal]

I haven't watched the video yet but the answer is obviously The Ospreys

[@epiqsoundz8846]

Delusional

[@lukasmeggs5857]

I’ve got my fingers crossed for a Canada vs Black Ferns video 👀. Though I’m a little biased, being Canadian myself 😂

[@ionawiener5206]

Could you do a how Glasgow won the URC video??

[@SwissLinsky]

Can you make a vid on Bordeaux Toulouse?

[@sneakpeak0000]

What you cannot measure is impact on momentum , Springbok rugby has always been about momentum. Our scrum either creates, disrupts or shifts momentum . No stats can show that . The most blatant examples of this was the 2019 final and the 2023 WC game against the same opposition England .

[@Natedawg38]

Go on fiji, show em how it's done

[@francoisdaniel123]

Suggestion: this video looks at offensive scrums. Can you do the same for defense? Who wins the most penalties against the throw, turnovers etc.

[@everythingentertainment2518]

Boks Scrum is a headache

[@glasblaidd]

So based on that what do you believe gatland is trying to achieve with welsh prop selection

[@WillDugdale-me2ko]

@all rugby nerds, is the reverse hook banned nowadays? Wonder if there’s scope to use it (maybe only once) in a game

[@andysurfer318]

dont have too look far to see who shipped into that success,,,,, Jason Ryan.

[@honahwikeepa2115]

AB's

[@robcastvisuals3529]

Watching this after the first test between South Africa and Ireland and... yup...!!!

[@etdebruin]

I really thought I was a patreon member where I would see my name in the credits. Every episode I look for my name like a fool and I don't see it. HAHA. Never thought it would be so important to me but apparently it hacks into some part of the brain.

[@TribalGent]

This argument is a bit flawed because there will never come a time where this stat will be tested. I watch football and they tend to separate club statistics from national/ country stats for the mere reason that clubs don’t play countries. For example, the best defence in Europe is context based depending on whether you speaking about the champions league or the Euros.

[@CiaranArdren]

Such a lovely video

[@GBH001]

Man the boks get low in some of those scrums 👍

[@ContendformyFaith]

That's where it's at

[@D4N1CU5]

It's fascinating to me that the stats don't bear out the perception or reputation of the boks. I would love to see someone do a scrum by scrum breakdown of the bok WC campaign (or any test series really. TRC, 6N, whatever) with all the camera angles to see how often the ref gets it right because as an uneducated fan sitting at home it feels like scrums are often just chaos and the ref relies on reputation a lot more than what they're actually seeing. I would love some analysis that shows that feeling to be wrong.

[@anthonykakembo1970]

but they play in a less competitive space right?

[@taariqenous2933]

Squidge has gone backwards.

[@joedennehy386]

Let's see at the end of the year

[@evertonfrancis640]

Loved the rugby league comment 😂

[@YyYdsa]

Yes but if the druuer scrummed against the Boks would they win?

[@seanschoeman247]

Fiji Drua would struggle against any South African franchise team. Their technique is useful in Super Rugby. The Springboks would annihilate them. Test rugby is a different beast

[@Schnitz13]

Would love to see you do a deep dive into the train wreck that is Rugby Canada at the moment. From RWC q-finalists in 1991 to not even qualifying for the 2023 RWC, it's a program in disarray after a decade or so with Aussie Kingsley Jones at the helm. Pathetic and deserving of the best treatment only you can offer!

[@wouterroos2359]

Lauding the England scrum for the 6 nations is fair. But you cannot go on to say that gives them the best scrum in international rugby this year. It gives them the best scrum in the six nations this year. The southern hemisphere (the undisputed masters of the game) haven’t played yet.

[@user-rv4go7ry3v]

Didn't watch but I think we all know: Starting 15: New Zealand. Full 23: South Africa.

[@SipheSithole]

"SO DO I!!!"😂😂😂

[@mrh6221]

It’s the springboks can’t believe you didn’t mention them! 😂

[@PatrickAndrews-e6v]

1. NZ 2. NZ with Jordie on the blindside 3. Ireland, France or maybe South Africa

[@thegoat4124]

Boks scrum better than ABs scrum, as are the Boks the better rugby team compared to the ABs😃

[@cici2716]

SOUTH AFRICA🇿🇦💛💚👑🥇🏆🏆🏆🏆💪🏽

[@maxpallaska5295]

best fly halfs videoo

[@teawaruaedwards274]

Would like to see a head to head Stat on scrummages between Bokka and ABs. I would grant the Bokka with the higher %, but NOT BY much. Anyway Bokka not even close to ABs winning record of 77%. NO ONE IS. SCRUMMAGING is important but NZ Rugby is about maximum points and scoring TRIES.

[@esof55]

great video

[@johnlewis2972]

As a sa supporter, I think the ab scrum with de groot and lomax in the mix is a worry for me.

[@BaconPancake165]

Wouldn't you say the team the keeps the ball in the scrum and wins the most penalties the best ? Just because the quickly take the ball out the scrum doesn't mean they good at scrums?

[@TheScriptureGuy]

Let the drua scrum the boks... that percentage would drop pretty quick

[@wernerfolscher6909]

According to Irish referee Chris Busby Wales demolished the Springboks yesterday….

[@SovrinWealth]

yes, and profoundly reflected in the score - what a doos....

[@Nieljoyceniel]

@@SovrinWealthnot allowed to cheat in scrums. Boks got penalised for it

[@jle42]

I learn something new each day. Had no idea Irish refs (in this case Busby) are keen on satire. In the new rugby the scoreboard is the first thing that gets ignored in commentary. The boks did not perform well in that game, but won by a convincing margin. No idea how Wales "demolished" South Africa but they certainly put up a good fight. Must be a comedy comment from the Irish ref.

[@dn822]

​@@Nieljoycenielwhat ever dude. They were dominated. The ref was a joke.

[@budyza180]

Nice...!

[@TheTrueUnbeliever]

It's the SPRINGBOKS. Don't overthink this one. It's the Boks. 😄

[@TraderZubils]

Great video, world rugby need to take notes. We don’t want our game developing into rugby league

[@Kiwi_Haydn]

So South Africa has the best scrum in the world, but couldn’t dominate against 7 forwards in the RWC final…got it…

[@seanschoeman247]

You guys were amazing in that final. You are incredible in the scrum and the NH never compliments that aspect of your game. You always give us a hard time in the scrum. However I'd like your REAL honest opinion here. Wouldn't you love some of our props playing for you? If Ox, Kitshoff, Malherbe, Nyakanye, Koch, duToit, etc. could play for you, would you be happy to take them? I would really like your honest opinion as these guys would transform the ABs in my opinion.. Yh

[@Kiwi_Haydn]

@@seanschoeman247 absolutely the Boks packs are amazing, but Squidge loves to wax lyrical about them even after the World Cup final. No doubt, going back to back is an amazing achievement, but at least acknowledge the quality of the opposition as well. For 60 minutes of that game they played 7 forwards and could’ve (probably should’ve) lost. Can’t wait for the ABs and Boks to go at it again this year!

[@thegoat4124]

Lets not forget you packed the scrum with a back almost the same size as a lock to make it 8. But nice underplaying it🙂 The Boks did absolutely tear them apart in the scrums at Twickenham🙂. Suppose thats what happens when the ABs dont get an easier road to the final. When it was equal, it was one way traffic by the Boks over the ABs🙂 thats why they are widely regarded as having the best scrum in the world🙂

[@Kiwi_Haydn]

@@thegoat4124 and the All Blacks took them apart earlier in the year. What’s your point?

[@thegoat4124]

@@Kiwi_Haydn nothing like what the Boks did to the ABs at Twickers. That was a far worse beating, and you know that as much as i do🙂

[@christiangerhardt2408]

But then again....... We do have the best scrum love Saffa

[@OriginalVenomZA]

Fun question, what is the average weight of the pack? @15:00

[@OriginalVenomZA]

And thus my question. Every man in the Figian team could theoretically substitute on of their forwards, weight wise. Which means that they have the widest of talent set available when it comes to substitutes. I'm literally waiting for Figi to just dominate world rugby. Its coming. And the rest of us, we'll need to prepare.

[@brodericki4281]

Cheery and whites year? Could be lol

[@calmingcoffeerain6217]

"who has the best scrum in the world to attack in the world" - there i helped make it less clickbaity

[@Edgycoo]

the all blacks have the best scrum. Proven by stats. Even in the final only one team lost against their put in. The boks.

[@thegoat4124]

Everyone knows the Boks scrum is better than the ABs scrum🙂

[@Edgycoo]

@@thegoat4124 you like to scrum more, but you dont have as high a scrum win %.

[@thegoat4124]

@@Edgycoo Just ask anyone that knows rugby that the Boks scrum is better🙂 Boks scrum is so good that they chose to scrum the french on their own 22, which we all know ABs wouldnt have the guts to do as they their scrum isnt as good as the Boks🙂

[@Edgycoo]

@@thegoat4124 they aren't using plain as day statistics. Boks like to scrum more but lose to the abs when the choose to do so. If your scrum was better you would have better stats.

[@thegoat4124]

@@Edgycoo please do send me the link to these stastics🙂. Its scary to think even many your fellow AB supporters agree the Boks scrum is better, and thats got to hurt🙂

[@markdonovan8884]

You must have been furious to see Screech and Carter give a good account of themselves on Saturday.

[@bramhallbreakbones]

Springboks

[@TheRatyzuma]

Genuinely thought that was Seth MacFarlane in the thumbnail

[@stefanzzz6778]

It’s the boks. Always has been, prob always will.

[@RaVeN0045]

1. South Africa 2. South Africa 3 Ireland.