Springboks test: All Blacks practice against 10-man scrums in preparation to neutralise ‘bomb squad’

The All Blacks’ starting forward pack has been scrummaging against 10 players instead of the conventional eight in preparation for Saturday night’s clash with the Springboks.

Speaking to Gold Sport’s The Country Sport Breakfast this morning, loosehead prop Ethan de Groot outlined the importance a scrum can have on a match, but admitted it’s become a lottery with regard to which team is awarded a penalty at set piece.

“You just sort of [have] to work with the ref as much as you can, you know, they’ve obviously never been in a scrum and know what’s actually going on in there. You just need to try to paint the best picture possible for yourself,” the 34-test All Black said.

“Hopefully the ref isn’t giving it the John Travolta, putting his arm up too much, but yeah, hopefully we’ll have him on our side this weekend.”

He said it’s becoming harder to use a scrum as a weapon, with the way referees are allowing play to continue.

“You don’t want to lose the ref early in the game because it sort of paints a bad picture of yourselves.”

In preparation for the Springboks, de Groot said there had been some “big sessions” around scrummaging throughout the week, including eight versus 10-man scrums.

“She’s been a good old battle and [there’s been] plenty of load through the body this week.

“Sometimes scrums can win you the game, so big moments, big momentum shifts. We see our scrum as a bit of a weapon and when we can turn it on, hopefully we can get the result.”

Since defeating the All Blacks 35-7 at Twickenham in 2023, the Springboks have used their scrum as a weapon, stacking their bench with a “bomb squad” of seven forwards and one back.

Coach Rassie Erasmus has opted for a more balanced side tasked with beating the All Blacks at Eden Park for the first time since 1937, however, with only five forwards named on the bench.

The All Blacks, meanwhile, are out to defend their 50-test unbeaten run at their fortress, which dates back to 1994.

De Groot said while the All Blacks have “tapped into” their unbeaten streak at Eden Park as they prepare for South Africa, there hasn’t been much thought behind it.

“We’ve definitely got to earn the right to win a massive test match at the Garden of Eden.”