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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[@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.

[@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.

[@ruan12335]

ja ja ja the BOKKE OBVIOUSLY RAAAAASSSIIEEEE

[@jadebotes2128]

Squidge had us all on strings for 13 minutes😂😂

[@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.

[@allthetime3000]

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

[@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.

[@sportrocdoc2237]

Great analysis as always.

[@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 🤙

[@santos.l.halper1999]

Georgia has left the chat

[@salusetsengiwe8686]

Man, youtube aint the same when you are quiet.

[@bobchmi3855]

you made the correct choice in the end.

[@jalgunn]

Great insights Squidge once again.

[@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.

[@ChaseCarneson]

Absolutely love your videos!

[@itsovergetuptherejoe]

This channel and these guys are awesome!!!

[@Jesus_is_Lord_316]

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

[@lukasmeggs5857]

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

[@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!

[@DonovanBanks]

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

[@ionawiener5206]

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

[@honahwikeepa2115]

AB's

[@CiaranArdren]

Such a lovely video

[@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😃

[@evertonfrancis640]

Loved the rugby league comment 😂

[@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?

[@cici2716]

SOUTH AFRICA🇿🇦💛💚👑🥇🏆🏆🏆🏆💪🏽

[@johnlewis2972]

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

[@TheScriptureGuy]

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

[@esof55]

great video

[@TraderZubils]

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

[@brodericki4281]

Cheery and whites year? Could be lol

[@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.

[@TomCourtney7]

I was expecting England women’s team tbf

[@seanschoeman247]

Well if you think they can beat the Springboks then maybe they should be there...

[@mikejames1804]

all blacks then probably SA

[@PatrickAndrews-e6v]

All Blacks + Jordie packing down on the blindside then probably SA.

[@aloniumbonium]

Lol ok. Let's pit the bok scrum vs drua and see what happens.

[@scottdawson1607]

If the Drua were so good why weren't they in the final,cause there NOT the best,the Canes,the Blues,the Brumbies,and other super teams are all better than the drua,from a kiwi in Welly

[@africanmamba1021]

Why did you even need to make a video asking this question ??? The boks scrum has dominated since the beginning of time … it’s not even a contest . End of … 4 world cups , more coming . 🏆🏆🏆🏆

[@MacaylaP]

drua scrum vs boks to settle it? best out of 10?

[@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.

[@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 🤣

[@celltanic]

Easy, which team opted for a scrum in their own 22 against the favorites to win a competition?

[@PatrickAndrews-e6v]

You mean to win against England who had a poor scrum?

[@celltanic]

@@PatrickAndrews-e6v no, against France, in what universe was England one of the favorites to win the RWC?

[@kr6productions]

​@@celltanic 😭😭

[@deeps2169]

Hit this notification quicker than Sam Parry left the Wales squad

[@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 👍

[@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.

[@jacqueslaubscher1800]

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

[@soidog659]

Yebo baba

[@cornellkannemeyer1614]

😂

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@myronalcock4716]

I guessed Portugal. My cat said Bokke.

[@sibusisonogabe2220]

The amount of research this will have taken. Wow.

[@rts3618]

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

[@caybooysen]

‘BAAAAAAABE! SQUIDGE JUST RELEASED A NEW SQUARESPACE VIDEO, DONT BOTHER ME’

[@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 🎉

[@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!

[@rittherugger160]

One time I was playing blindside flanker for my men's club. We were playing a 'friendly' against the local University. Naturally our scrum was very dominant. Being a friendly match we weren't attempting to beat them up. We just wanted to dominate and we were. Due to conversations after the match I found out that at halftime the college boys were trying to figure out how to counter our scum dominance so someone came up with the idea to pull us in an effort to make the ball come out the back in an uncontrolled manner. what happened was, to them, unexpected. We drove the scrum and ball up the pitch some 40 meters up the pitch at the pace of a trot. Their backs were jogging backwards when the ball finally came out and the try was easy. I also remember one of their locks saying as they were being shoved up the pitch, 'Well, that didn't work." There is a reason our props weren't interested in bullying their opponents. As one of my props said, "If I have someone right here that I can beat, why would I want to do anything to cause him to be subbed out?"

[@kogaryu5558]

[@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.

[@MartynKilian]

Great video as always! It would be great to see scrum-halves actually be required to throw the ball into the middle of the scrum and not straight under their own players feet. That would bring a whole new element into the modern scrum.

[@christoduplessis8177]

Why I as a Bok believe we have the best scrum is when we need that penalty to get into the semi or final of the world cup you just know they are going to get it. Being able to use the scrum tactically like that is a huge differentiator.

[@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🙂

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@MrFunkie01]

Rubbish ABs picked both SA scrums up during WC final with 1 man down ??

[@South_Affy]

This past weekend the Boks were practically walking forward against Wales in the scrums and they were penalized a few times. 🤷‍♂️

[@thewelshdm]

Absolutely loving the content this year lads! Keep it up

[@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

[@murraysmith595]

ABS scrum when they swap in jordie Barrett for Cane is the best scrum 😂😂

[@jksinorbit]

Boks scrum is so good that refs give the first couple of penalties and then realise that the match will be one way traffic if they don't dial down their standards. Wales game last weekend a good example but also Bulls vs Leinster ( to a lesser degree)

[@matthewbazeley2984]

it wouldn't be a rugby comment section without some bok fan paranoia

[@thomasgilbert8321]

​@@matthewbazeley2984😂 True

[@thomasgilbert8321]

Absolutely twaddle 😂 Had to read it 3 times to comprehend the conspiracy you were trying to spout

[@theledal]

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

[@epiqsoundz8846]

Delusional

[@clibo1]

Ooooh I know the Springboks !!!! Wait who 😮Fijians scares me

[@SharkFinProductions]

With Razor the All Black's will have the best scrum in world rugby. It might not be that way at first, but I think with careful planning the All Black's will soon have the best scrum.

[@juanprins5041]

Lol dream on

[@bkitch5755]

You seem to be worried about it

[@soidog659]

dream on

[@reclusiarchnotrobsimmons]

I was an awful second rower playing in a drinking team with a rugby problem for a few years…. Scrums are literally the best thing about rugby. Pure joy. Interesting that the Drua and the Waratahs were the least penalised at the scrum but had terrible seasons. Waratahs worst season in their history and the Drua never won away from home.

[@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.

[@myleslea5483]

The Springboks. End of video😂😂😂

[@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

[@everythingentertainment2518]

Boks Scrum is a headache

[@fitch1]

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

[@Natedawg38]

Go on fiji, show em how it's done

[@redsidebiker]

Whoever the ref allows it to be. Look back at Union history, when scrums were mostly fair and hookers could compete. Feeding the ball as they do now destroys the spectacle. Also the other shenanigans to consume time lead me to agree that a scrum is clock off until the scrum is legal. Also anyone found guilty of dropping a scrum, immediate red card for dangerous play.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!!

[@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🙂

[@taariqenous2933]

Squidge has gone backwards.

[@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.

[@paulrooy371]

This all looks good on paper.... but that's where it ends.... A 99% success rate sounds amazing.... but it's all relative isn't it.... who have the Fijians been scrummaging against? What do you honestly think the result would be if those Fijian boys had to scrum against the Boks? What I'm really saying (as politely as I can) is that.... even as you were making this vid.... you knew it only looks good on paper.... in other words.... it's HorseShit... 😎

[@jimmyneutron4158]

Saying the Fijian Dura has the best scrum, is the same as saying the best team to ever play was the 2013/2014 Cyprus team as they hold the world record for the most consecutive international rugby union wins with 24. Fijian Dura are in a domestic league not getting put up against the best. Will not deny that’s an amazing stat they possess and one to definitely be proud of, but you cannot say they have the best scrum in the world. Also winning 99.2% of your own ball is amazing, but what about winning on opposition ball. What about that stat?

[@robertjan002]

Where does quality of opposition factor into your analysis? Surely relevant. Example, quality of the opposition scrum. Seems pretty fundamental to scrummaging. Beating up children doesn’t mean you can fight in the ufc.

[@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 .

[@user-rv4go7ry3v]

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

[@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

[@DP-cd5wr]

Ive noticed refs really dont give south african teams as many oens when they are marching opposition scrums backwards. Ckearly messaging from world rugby.

[@eamonnneylon8305]

Once upon a time (when the sport was amateur) referees would award a penalty if the ball was not put in straight to the scrum. Hooker, so named for their primary skill of hooking the ball backwards towards their own team with their feet were the only player allowed to touch the ball initially. Modern scrummaging is a mockery. The referees ignore the rules by because they can’t be bothered to do their job. Suspect this is because many spectators couldn’t make sense of what was going on. So the analysis of scrummaging misses the core issue that no one scrummages properly these days.

[@KarlRichardMartinDavids]

Stop being nasty the Springboks is by far the best. When they win the next world cup with their scrum it will still not meet your standard. Hate them or like them the BOKKE has the best scrum.

[@hannesbornman1045]

Ah can't wait to see another European explaining why South Africa actually isn't good at anything really 😂 luckily it was saved, eventually

[@chrissmit6439]

Dude, you are a cachet rugby specialist, how can you even ask a question like this, you dont need your gut to tell who it is, common sense does. The Springboks.

[@robcastvisuals3529]

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