Close Menu
  • Home
  • Forum
  • Shop
    • Jerseys
    • Training
    • Men
    • Women
    • Kids
    • Headwear
    • Gifts & Accessories
      • Babywear
      • Balls
      • Collectibles & Memorabilia
      • Home & Office
      • Keyrings
      • Pet Accessories
      • Scarves
      • Souvenirs
      • Toys & Games
    • Super Rugby
    • Clearance
  • Wallabies
  • Super Rugby
    • ACT Brumbies
    • Blues
    • Chiefs
    • Crusaders
    • Fijian Drua
    • Highlanders
    • Hurricanes
    • Moana Pasifika
    • NSW Waratahs
    • Queensland Reds
    • Western Force
  • Six Nations
  • Women’s
  • Sevens
  • Podcast

Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest creative news from FooBar about art, design and business.

What's Hot

Hump Day News – In from the side

June 11, 2025

Tuesday’s Rugby news

June 10, 2025

Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #73: things get a little bit unpredictable.

June 9, 2025
Facebook Instagram YouTube X (Twitter)
Latest News
  • Hump Day News – In from the side
  • Tuesday’s Rugby news
  • Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #73: things get a little bit unpredictable.
  • Game Review: Brumbies v Hurricanes Super Rugby finals – 7 June 2025
  • Friday’s Rugby News.
  • Thursday’s Rugby News – finals, the new season
  • Talking Teams Podcast Qualifying Finals
  • Yowie on the Loose: Super Finals and other news oddities
  • The North Remembers.
  • The Knocked Back Knock-On 155 – Not a Rant but a Whimper
  • Tuesday’s Rugby News – 3 June 2025
  • Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #72: the final round of Super Rugby Pacific – blowouts, and the Tahs blowing chunks!
  • Friday’s Rugby News.
  • Thursday’s Rugby News – the last round
  • Talking Teams Pod Week 16
  • Yowie on the Loose: Rugby News wrapped-up like a beef wellington
  • Tuesday’s Rugby News
  • Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #71: who saw that coming?
  • The Dropped Kick-Off 154 – Finals Perms
  • Friday’s Rugby News.
Green & Gold Rugby
0 Shopping Cart
Facebook Instagram YouTube X (Twitter)
  • Home
  • Forum
  • Shop
    • Jerseys
    • Training
    • Men
    • Women
    • Kids
    • Headwear
    • Gifts & Accessories
      • Babywear
      • Balls
      • Collectibles & Memorabilia
      • Home & Office
      • Keyrings
      • Pet Accessories
      • Scarves
      • Souvenirs
      • Toys & Games
    • Super Rugby
    • Clearance
  • Wallabies

    Tuesday’s Rugby News

    February 25, 2025

    G&GR readers hate Australians?

    February 23, 2025

    Schmidt extends Wallabies tenure through TRC as search for head coach successor begins

    February 6, 2025

    Tickets on sale for blockbuster Wallaroos and Wallabies home Tests

    February 5, 2025

    Tuesday’s Rugby News, 4 February 2025

    February 4, 2025
  • Super Rugby
    1. ACT Brumbies
    2. Blues
    3. Chiefs
    4. Crusaders
    5. Fijian Drua
    6. Highlanders
    7. Hurricanes
    8. Moana Pasifika
    9. NSW Waratahs
    10. Queensland Reds
    11. Western Force
    12. View All

    Brumbies lob first grenade.

    March 19, 2025

    Hoodoo Gurus: Brumbies beat Blues.

    March 8, 2025

    Super Rugby Women’s Team List: Trial Match v Queensland Reds

    February 5, 2025

    Brumbies and Raiders combine for ANZAC weekend fixtures

    February 4, 2025

    Sotutu Returns to Boost Blues for Highlanders Clash

    February 19, 2025

    MG Motor Joins Blues as Official Vehicle Partner

    February 13, 2025

    Tu’ungafasi Celebrates 150th Cap as Blues Unleash Star-Studded Line-Up at Eden Park Opener

    February 12, 2025

    Blues Team Up with Gerard Roofs for a Strong 2025 Season Partnership

    February 11, 2025

    Chiefs Prepare for Crusaders Clash: Brown’s Debut and Tupaea’s Milestone

    February 19, 2025

    Chiefs’ All Blacks Set for Pre-Season Action Against Moana Pasifika

    February 6, 2025

    Chiefs Unveil New Talent Ahead of Taranaki Pre-Season Clash

    January 30, 2025

    Chiefs’ Rising Star Wallace Sititi Sidelined After Knee Surgery

    January 25, 2025

    Crusaders Ready to Kick Off Pre-Season with Blues Battle in Kirwee

    January 30, 2025

    Crusaders Partner with Moa Brewing Company to Elevate Fan Experience

    January 23, 2025

    Jamie Hannah Commits to Crusaders Until 2028

    January 23, 2025

    Crusaders 2025 Tickets Now Available!

    January 23, 2025

    Fijian Drua to Host Rugby FCLA in Historic Fiji Showdown

    January 20, 2025

    Highlanders Set for Home Opener Against Blues

    February 19, 2025

    Waratahs edge Highlanders in thrilling season opener

    February 16, 2025

    Highlanders Announce Squad for Season Opener Against Waratahs

    February 12, 2025

    Highlanders Gear Up for Waitangi Day Showdown Against Crusaders

    February 4, 2025

    Xavier Numia Commits to Hurricanes Through 2027

    January 29, 2025

    Hurricanes Brew Up Partnership with Flight Coffee for 2025 Season

    January 28, 2025

    Hurricanes Poua Swap Rugby Boots for Riding Boots at Hutt Valley RDA

    January 16, 2025

    Match Review: Qld Reds v Moana Pacifika — Rd2 2025

    February 21, 2025

    Ardie Savea Named Moana Pasifika Captain for 2025 Super Rugby Season

    February 3, 2025

    Ardie Savea Named Moana Pasifika Captain for 2025 Super Rugby Season

    February 2, 2025

    Moana Pasifika Set to Face Highlanders in Pre-Season Opener

    January 29, 2025

    More Tahs misery.

    March 29, 2025

    Tahs best Brumbies.

    March 22, 2025

    Isaac Kailea re-signs with RA.

    March 21, 2025

    U18s & U20s Tahs sides named.

    March 14, 2025

    Reds top of the pops.

    March 29, 2025

    Reds break drought.

    March 22, 2025

    Tom ‘The Laser’ Lynagh: Its the vibe.

    March 22, 2025

    Caslick to start in Reds #100th.

    March 19, 2025

    Force out-Brumby the Brumbies 45-42.

    February 22, 2025

    Jeremy Williams Re-Signs with Western Force for Two More Years

    February 6, 2025

    Club captain Jeremy Williams re-commits to Western Force with new deal

    February 6, 2025

    Western Force Unveils Star-Studded Squad for Brumbies Pre-Season Clash

    February 5, 2025

    Reds top of the pops.

    March 29, 2025

    More Tahs misery.

    March 29, 2025

    Super Rugby Round #7: Bye-bye-bye

    March 24, 2025

    Live: SRP ladder

    March 22, 2025
  • Six Nations

    Six Nations round 4

    March 8, 2025

    Tree Irish legends call time

    February 28, 2025

    Frogs flog Italy.

    February 24, 2025

    Welsh rugby: heartbeat found!

    February 23, 2025

    Poms pinch it.

    February 23, 2025
  • Women’s

    More in store for Qld women’s comp.

    March 21, 2025

    Happy’s Thursday’s Rugby News

    November 28, 2024

    Happy’s Thursday’s Rugby News – progress mixed in with some injustice

    November 21, 2024

    Yowie on the Loose: How long until test rugby restarts?

    October 15, 2024

    Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #50: limited rugby, but plenty of news

    October 14, 2024
  • Sevens

    G&GR team’s podcast, Ireland and done

    December 2, 2024

    Happy’s Thursday’s Rugby News

    November 28, 2024

    Happy’s Thursday’s Rugby News – US edition marketing the game, Perry Baker, Super Rugby my new dawn.

    October 17, 2024

    Sevens Olympic Heaven!

    July 18, 2024

    Thursday’s Rugby News

    July 4, 2024
  • Podcast

    Talking Teams Podcast Qualifying Finals

    June 4, 2025

    The Knocked Back Knock-On 155 – Not a Rant but a Whimper

    June 3, 2025

    Talking Teams Pod Week 16

    May 28, 2025

    The Dropped Kick-Off 154 – Finals Perms

    May 23, 2025

    Collab Special – Talking Teams x The Dropped Kick-Off – discussing the Lions with The Eggchasers Rugby Podcast

    May 14, 2025
Green & Gold Rugby
Home»Analysis»Finding Front Rowers: Super Rugby Scrum Scrutiny 2
Analysis

Finding Front Rowers: Super Rugby Scrum Scrutiny 2

Christian TedgeBy Christian TedgeFebruary 28, 201910 Comments
Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr WhatsApp VKontakte Email
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

Week two saw the Queensland Reds play their 1st game of the year, away in Dunedin, and the opportunity to see the much scrutinized young team? Could the NSW forwards continue to improve the scrum against the Sunwolves and get their first win of the season ? Would the Brumbies show what they are capable off against a NZ team?

Read below and I would love to get your comments if I’ve missed the obvious or you agree!

Highlanders V Queensland Reds

How good were Queensland Reds in their first hit out for the year against the Highlanders in Dunedin? I don’t know how Brad Thorn has pulled it all together but the intensity this team brought to the game was what Australian fans have been waiting for and more importantly keeping all of their opposite numbers on their toes as far as national selections go.

This game had a front row debut from Feao Fotuaika in Loosehead Prop, joining Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Taniela Tupou. From the start I noticed the work rate of Fotuaika around the park with aggression in the tackles, strong running and hitting with an expectation of clearing bodies from rucks. But the first scrum came around with the Reds intent of upsetting the Highlanders ball but the referee allowed the ball to be played even with positive forward movement from the Reds.

My main point of discussion about this game as the Argentinian referee Federico Anselmi allowed scrums to be hotly contested resulting in collapses but allowing the teams to play the ball. Anselmi did not call one scrum for a collapse, an early engagement, a knee on the ground or an early shove but did this effect the competition at scrum time or is it frustrating at the inconsistency of the calls?

A Highlanders’ scrum at 11:00 minutes had the Reds get good forward movement where many referees would call a penalty for heads popping up. The number 8 from the Highlanders, Whitelock, managed to pick the ball up and exclude running into the back of his second row, allowed him to play on (I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt for being right on the spot that this occurred). The result was a contested scrum and the ball was played. Happy!

A Highlanders’ scrum at 63:00 minutes and Highlanders got a strong engagement and chased feet, many referees would have called early engagement but not Anselmi. The Highlanders loose head’s knee hits the ground and the referee just nods to Aaron Smith to feed the ball in. The ball is fed in whilst Sorovi the half back pleads to the Assistant Referee for a free kick but balls played and play continues. There are two issues here that would be penalised in a heartbeat but I actually like the fact that he allowed the ball to be played. The teams are so used to the short arm being pulled out for any discretion that I’m finally relieved he left his whistle in his pocket.

The Reds’ had a scrum with replacement Harry Hoopert at loose head whose body position was 45 degrees before the ball was fed in and I’m confused how this wasn’t called up again from Anselmi. This wasn’t an advantage to the Reds, Hoopert was in a poor body position and the Highlanders maintained their shape and shifted the ball allowing a completed scrum and a free flowing game without a penalty for the sake of looking at blowing up because the laws say to.

via GIPHY

Yes there are inconsistencies between games, but I’m happy that finally the referee allowed a contested scrum and the ball flowed without any clear domination of the scrum from the incorrect body shape.

I was really impressed with the Reds forwards and thought Angus Scott Young stood out with assertive tackles and aggressive clean out as well as the try scoring debutant in Fotuaika. We are used to the Tongan Thor being mentioned due to his ball carrying, tackle busting ability however for me Fotaika really stood up in the scrum and around the ground. There are small touches that Thorn has introduced, such as the mini maul that was used by Brandon Paenga-Amosa (which I have been saying for years is an underutilised move), nearly resulting in a try (or obstruction) but would love to see more of this trickery when teams least expect it.

The Reds unfortunately didn’t get across the line going down 36 – 31 but the intent was there and I’m looking forward to how this team progresses in the coming weeks to see if they can maintain that intensity.

STANDOUT SCRUMS

The standout scrum for my mind was the amount of decisions that referee Federico Alsemi could have called relating to this scrum. Was there any dominance gained or were the props finding their feet before the ball was played? I am happy for one that he managed it to be fed in and played!

via GIPHY

NSW Waratahs v  Sunwolves

The Waratahs 2nd game of the round was played at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium in Tokyo against the Sunwolves and clearly, after being thrashed the previous week by the Sharks, the Sunwolves were out to make amends. This was evident in the scrums with the Sunwolves tight head Yamashita turning the screws against Harry Johnson-Holmes who had a fantastic game the week prior. What I thought stuck out as the game went on was as soon as any pressure was applied against the Waratahs scrum, Jed Holloway’s body started to rise and give up instead of maintaining the pressure on HJH making it impossible to reset body height and have a second crack. Sekopu Kepu was strong on his side with Rob Simmons maintaining good contact, which let him down in the previous week. It wil be one of those games that HJH needs to re-watch to see how he and his second row can improve to maintain body height and contact with all eight in the scrum.

I thought there was positive game management when in the second half the Waratahs earned a penalty from a collapsed scrum and opted for the lineout instead of setting another scrum. The lineout resulted in a try from a driving maul and showed that the Waratahs also have strong set piece when it’s required and the target in the lineout can be hit.

Jack Dempsey had an outstanding game at No.8 and seems to be growing into that position as a roaming link man as well as a strong tackle and presence around the ground. Sekopu Kepu also had a good running game but the Waratah’s coach Daryl Gibson must be looking at a style of game that keeps the ball alive as the players seem to be pushing passes that are not on and or results in loose carries to the ground once tackled where it bounced out of his grasp a number of times. The Waratahs need to tighten this up across the board to ensure they are maintaining possession in attack and not handing it back because of poor handling.

The Waratahs only won 3 of their scrums in this game as opposed to the Sunwolves 5 scrums  so there wasn’t a lot of opportunity to attack of the scrum but they managed to close the game out with their first win of the 2019 with a score line of 21-20.

STANDOUT SCRUM

This game was a lesson for Johnson-Holmes and the Sunwolves tighthead Yamashita really turned the screws but HJH will be better for it as not all scrums are going to go forward. This standout scrum was awarded to the Sunwolves and set the precedent for later decision making through out the game.

via GIPHY

ACT Brumbies v Chiefs

The Brumbies faced off against the Chiefs at Gio Stadium in Canberra and didn’t the Brumbies play some exciting Rugby? Considering the score line of 54-17 to the Brumbies, the scrum had a tough time finding their rhythm early getting scrambled by the Chiefs pack with Slipper collapsing and dropping his elbow  3 times in the first half. The scrums dominance  see-sawed throughout the game as Slipper managed his body height and worked to get his bind up. What was very pleasing with the Brumbies’ scrum throughout the game was the amount of attack that was launched from it. Four Brumby tries resulted from attack of the back of the scrum. Very good body positioning established in the scrum allowed McCaffrey to get set and launch in what I thought was one of the loosest Chief defensive performances I’ve seen in years.

I thought the Brumbies forwards brought good aggression in defense against the maul with one example defending 5 meters out on own try line to have the Chiefs stopped dead in their tracks showed an aggression and second effort in defending on your line when you shear of the side of a maul.  The Brumbies also utilised their strong set piece in the driving maul of the lineout with a try to Folau Fangia’a straight after the 2nd half started, Josh Mann-Rea in the 70th minute and Tevita Kuridrani scored a fantastic 1st phase play of another rolling maul in the 77th minute.

The forwards support was excellent also with a scrum on the 51 minute mark that marched forward in their own 22 had Christian Lealiifano launch an attack down the blind which ended in Chance Peni scoring. If you watch the in goal, nearly every forward is on Peni and this shows to me the determination of the team that, after the job was done in the scrum, it was onto the next job and getting into position over 80 meters away.

It was a fantastic win for the Brumbies and considering the heat being placed on the Brumbies scrum early on they managed to establish strong body position and finish the game winning 9 scrums to the Chiefs 4 scrums.

STANDOUT SCRUMS

The try that resulted from the scrum below was excellent shape by both teams and allowed McCaffrey to pick and run through an easy hole to score which I thought was my standout scrum of the game considering the trouble the Chiefs were mounting at the start of the game.

via GIPHY

PROPS TO YOU

Prop of the week goes to Feao Fotuaika. A very impressive debut game for the loose head prop and will really keep an eye on him in the coming weeks. Can’t wait for the Waratahs v Reds clash in a fortnight.

We are a fan run website, we appreciate your support.

💬 Have you got a news article suggestion? Submit a story and have your say
👀 Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X.com
🎵 Listen to our Podcasts on Spotify and iTunes
🎥 Watch our Podcasts on YouTube


News scrum Super Rugby
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr WhatsApp Email
Previous ArticleThursday’s Rugby News
Next Article Vegas 7s, Baby. Vegas 7s!
Christian Tedge

Western Sydney born, raised in South Australia, now residing in Western Australia clinging to the hopes of Australian Rugby clawing its way back to bring home Bill or at least dominate in the scrums!

Related Posts

Hump Day News – In from the side

June 11, 2025

Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #73: things get a little bit unpredictable.

June 9, 2025

Game Review: Brumbies v Hurricanes Super Rugby finals – 7 June 2025

June 8, 2025

Thursday’s Rugby News – finals, the new season

June 5, 2025

We are a fan run website, we appreciate your support.

We are determined to keep G&GR a free site for all rugby fans. A place for all to engage with rugby stories, opinions, articles, podcasts, discussions and more.

Show your support to G&GR


Latest

Hump Day News – In from the side

June 11, 2025

Tuesday’s Rugby news

June 10, 2025

Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #73: things get a little bit unpredictable.

June 9, 2025

Game Review: Brumbies v Hurricanes Super Rugby finals – 7 June 2025

June 8, 2025
1 2 3 … 2,602 Next
Latest Super Rugby

Reds top of the pops.

March 29, 2025

More Tahs misery.

March 29, 2025

Super Rugby Round #7: Bye-bye-bye

March 24, 2025

Live: SRP ladder

March 22, 2025
1 2 3 … 790 Next
Latest Six Nations

Six Nations round 4

March 8, 2025

Tree Irish legends call time

February 28, 2025

Frogs flog Italy.

February 24, 2025

Welsh rugby: heartbeat found!

February 23, 2025
1 2 3 … 25 Next
GAGR Podcast
Follow Us
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
About Us
About Us

greenandgoldrugby.com is your one stop shop for all things Rugby Union - news, podcasts, opinions, fixtures, events & everything in between.

greenandgoldrugby.com - created by fans of rugby, for fans of rugby.

About
Submit a Story
Authors
Contact
Privacy

Our Picks

Rising rally to overrun Queensland Country

September 4, 2016

Waratahs young leaders to shine

January 18, 2017

Eight ANGRY Observations from tonight’s game

June 18, 2016
New Comments
  • KwAussie Rugby Lover on Hump Day News – In from the side
  • KwAussie Rugby Lover on Tuesday’s Rugby news
  • Reds and wallabies fan on Tuesday’s Rugby news
  • Reds and wallabies fan on Tuesday’s Rugby news
  • Reds and wallabies fan on Tuesday’s Rugby news
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest
  • Home
  • Forum
  • Super Rugby
  • Wallabies
  • Podcast
  • Privacy Policy (2023)
© 2025 Ponderosa Publishing Pty Ltd | ABN 76 668 430 386.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.