Frans Malherbe compares URC and Super Rugby scrums
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Springbok and Stormers tighthead prop Frans Malherbe has compared the scrums in the United Rugby Championship and Super Rugby.
A seasoned front-rower, Malherbe has played over 100 games for the Stormers, mostly in Super Rugby, and earned 46 test caps.
The 31-year-old has been a regular in the Springbok pack over the years and has become a key member of the squad particular under Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber winning the Rugby World Cup and British and Irish Lions.
Malherbe appeared on 'The ROAR Rugby Podcast', hosted by Harry Jones and Brett McKay this week where he spoke about his rugby journey, growing up on his family farm, and ofcourse scrummaging.
On Episode 15 of Season 1 of the Roar Rugby Podcast @fransmalherbe tells his rugby origin story to host @BMcSport + me: a one legged guilt-tripping coach versus the lure of the farm. Frans almost never played rugby! #ComePlayWithUs pic.twitter.com/yA1xeqjEWT
— Harry Jones (@haribaldijones) May 10, 2022
McKay asked Malherbe to compare the scrum in the United Rugby Championship with those in Super Rugby.
“It’s an interesting question,” Malherbe said.
“The northern hemisphere are normally and traditionally well known for the game’s tight, it’s wet weather, it’s raining, keep it tight, very set piece based and then I think to myself it’s not – they still play the ball , play it out wide.
“And I don’t think super rugby are any less good than the European scrums. Some of the scrums might have been easier in the URC than they would have been in Super Rugby.
“I didn’t expect that to be honest. It might be a wild claim to make because I’ve only played six games since injury [against the All Blacks in the RC last year].
“All of them are tight. Both Super Rugby and URC are first class rugby and the scrum is such an important part of possession, you can’t neglect it – you can’t not put your energy into it.”
Malherbe also commented on a suggestion by Rassie Erasmus that rugby should introduce specialist referees to come on the field just to police scrums.
“I saw that. On the other hand there are refs with a very good understanding of scrums,” Malherbe said.
