Springboks question scrum

The Springboks will convene in Cape Town on Tuesday afternoon with serious questions about their scrumming ability and whether they will be able to contain New Zealand's Franks brothers without the input of a scrum coach. The logistical nature of the Springbok camp means that not much attention will be paid to rugby sessions. Medical testing and the supply of clothing are likely to take up most of the players' time. The scrums will surely be high on the list of priorities when the Bok squad starts to train at Florida Park in Ravensmead on Wednesday. The Crusaders destroyed the Stormers' scrum in Saturday's Super Rugby semi-final. While no member of the Cape side's front row is in the Bok squad, it's still a source of concern that the home team got such a hiding in the scrums, especially as the Stormers were able to stand their ground in that department against other local sides. The Crusaders also twice had the upper hand over the Sharks' Bok front-row and also dictated matters against the Bulls' front three. With a decision having been made to dispense with the services of regular scrum coach Os du Randt after he breached team protocol, South Africa will have to make the right decisions to ensure that the Bok scrum is in good shape when the first Tri-Nations Test is played in three weeks time. Gary Gold, who has previously coached the Bok scrum and technical advisor Rassie Erasmus will make sure that they find help in that regard, but BJ Botha may again be viewed as a key player. Botha came to the Boks' rescue in 2009 when he joined them on their November tour. He was particularly good in the Test against Ireland in which he dominated the home side. Last year Botha played in the overseas Tri-Nations games for the Boks, but he struggled with a neck injury. He was not picked again, but may well make an appearance against the Aussies in Sydney. Springbok coach Peter de Villiers is likely to decide on Tuesday who will be considered for the first part of the Tri-Nations when he has the medical reports available.

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