Wilco Louw urges Springboks to make scrum dominance count

Springbok prop Wilco Louw says South Africa must turn their scrum dominance into points when they face the All Blacks in the second Test of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry in Cape Town on Saturday.

Springboks must convert scrum dominance

South Africa enjoyed periods of superiority at scrum time during their 33-16 defeat at Ellis Park but were unable to translate that advantage into enough points.

A crucial moment arrived with the Springboks trailing 19-16 when they conceded a scrum penalty on their own feed close to the New Zealand posts. The All Blacks subsequently gained momentum and pulled away during the closing stages.

Louw acknowledged the disappointment but stressed that both teams possess strong scrummaging traditions and that success depends on the entire forward pack.

“It’s very disappointing, but they used their opportunities well,” Louw said.

“We have a proud scrum culture and so do the All Blacks. We had our wins and they had theirs, but our scrum isn’t about one guy – it’s about the whole pack.”

Wilco Louw praises Springbok forwards

The tighthead highlighted the contribution of South Africa’s forwards throughout the opening Test, including replacements Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Zachary Porthen.

“Credit to our forwards and credit to theirs. We really scrummed well. The guys who came on fought hard, even when we were down two players.”

The Springbok pack continued competing strongly even after the hosts were reduced to 13 players late in the match.

Springboks retain belief before Cape Town Test

Despite losing the series opener, Louw insists confidence remains within the Springbok squad ahead of the second Test.

“It’s a four-match series and we get another opportunity this week,” he said.

“There’s still belief in this team. We know we can be better and we have to take our opportunities.”