Former Springbok prop Gurthro Steenkamp has raised concerns about scrum tactics in modern rugby, suggesting that referees are struggling to spot the “dark arts” and deliberate manipulations taking place in the set-piece battle.
In an exclusive interview with RugbyPass, the 2007 Rugby World Cup winner—who now serves as scrum coach for La Rochelle—spoke openly about the underhanded tactics being used to destabilize scrums and gain an unfair advantage.
“There’s a Lot of Cheating Going On”
“Let’s call a spade a spade: over the last two years, there’s been a lot of cheating going on in the scrum. Players are resorting to the ‘dark arts’—they collapse scrums on purpose and manipulate the new laws to milk penalties,” said Steenkamp.
With scrum laws constantly evolving, the introduction of the ‘brake foot’ rule was meant to enhance stability, yet Steenkamp argues that it has led to more collapses rather than preventing them.
“We see so many collapsed scrums, and not because there’s no stability. Players refuse to engage properly, looking to milk a free-kick or penalty under the new laws.”
Referees Lack a “Specialist Eye” for Scrums says Gurthro Steenkamp
Steenkamp believes referees are simply not equipped to spot these underhanded tactics.
“When you speak to referees, they don’t have the specialist eye. They are asked to make tough calls, but they don’t always see what’s actually happening in the front row.”
Forwards exploiting loopholes in the laws has become a key strategy in high-level rugby, and according to Steenkamp, referees need better training or specialist input to manage this aspect of the game effectively.
Life After Rugby: A French Connection
Since hanging up his boots, Steenkamp has thrived in the French rugby scene, first as a player for Toulouse and Stade Francais, and now as scrum coach for La Rochelle.
Although he still loves South Africa, France has become home for him and his family.
“I miss South Africa, I love my country. But my kids are older, their lives are here in France. Moving back would be tough.”
The French lifestyle has also won him over:
“In South Africa, lunch is 30 minutes. In France, it’s an hour, sometimes two. People enjoy their meals, have wine, dessert, and coffee. They take time for family and the simple things in life.”
What’s Next?
With scrum controversies continuing to spark debate, Steenkamp’s insights may encourage World Rugby to review the current laws and provide better training for referees to spot manipulation at the set-piece.
