Steven Kitshoff enjoys a good scrum or two, no doubt about it, and the former Springbok prop is definitely looking forward to that battle come Saturday in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry.
The All Blacks come into the first Test of the series at Ellis Park (kick-off 5pm) with an improved set-piece, a hypothesis which will be stress-tested against the Springboks in Johannesburg.
The former have arguably used the scrum in recent years merely as a platform to restart the game, hoping for quick first-phase ball to build their attack. The Boks, meanwhile, see scrum-time as more of a tool to dominate the opposition, grind them down and press for advantage either for territory or scoreboard pressure.
Kitshoff believes, however, that the All Blacks will present a more physical approach up-front this time around, especially after lessons learned during the recent tour matches against the Stormers, Bulls and Sharks.
“I think, especially the Stormers, unlocked something in the All Black pack, when they had them under pressure," Kitshoff told The National, in an exclusive interview at a Springbok Legends breakfast in Pretoria, on Thursday.
“I think they've improved a lot, and we'll see a much stronger pack play against the Boks. They were chopping and changing their front-row selection during those matches, but their normal Ethan de Groot and Tyrel Lomax combo this weekend will try and nullify the Springbok scrum.”
De Groot and Lomax are set to pack down against Ox Nché and Wilco Louw on Saturday in a titanic clash of flesh and bone. On Thursday, during the Bok team announcement, coach Rassie Erasmus did indicate that Nché would not play an extended match, so into that front-row mix substitute Gerhard Steenekamp must also be considered, perhaps even as early as late in the first half.
Kitshoff believes that De Groot and Lomax will present a challenging encounter, not due to the differences in approach but because of the similarities they have with the Bok setup.
“They are battle-hardened Test players,” said Kitshoff.
“They understand what it takes to scrum against the Boks. They're very similar in scrum technique when it comes to what Daan (Human) tries to get right from the guys.
“They have good body position, especially Lomax — he's a quite tall guy, but he gets a low position. He's very strong and has a big chest. So, he loves to scrum low, stay in that position, and try to survive the fight.”
Meanwhile, stitched in-between Nché and Louw, World Rugby’s Player of the Year Malcolm Marx will pack down against his opposite No 2 Codie Taylor. Kitshoff was magnanimous in his praise for his former Bok teammate, who could well be the kingmaker on the day.
Said Kitshoff: “We all know what to expect from Malcolm.
“The All Blacks have always been one of the big Test matches he always measures himself against. You've seen him excel with these big moments and he's got a bit of a big match temperament mindset when it comes to these games.
“So, we'll see a big scrum focus from him this weekend especially, to try and get on the front foot. And then he'll be a threat at the breakdown.
“He'll try and slow the ball down, try and get over as many breakdowns as possible, and be a nuisance in slowing the All Blacks’ ball down. He will make it difficult for them.”
With all that in mind, Kitshoff turned his focus toward his inner eye to predict who would win the first Test.
“I say it's going to be a high-scoring game. So, I would say Boks by eight,” he concluded.