Free-flowing rugby is great to watch but I still love the dark art of scrummaging
It is a massive part of the game and something I enjoy doing
GIVEN the way in which South Africa so brutally destroyed the England scrum in the World Cup final, no one needs reminding of just how handsome the rewards can be from having a strong set-piece.
Least of all the props themselves; those piano-shifters up front whose job it is to provide the grunt to the far sweeter and more soothing soundtrack of the pianists in the backs.
The way in which the Boks were able to batter England into submission effectively decided the destination of the Webb Ellis Cup — and Glasgow Warriors tighthead Zander Fagerson is one who definitely took note.
For all there is an obsession in modern rugby to focus on freeflowing attacks and running the ball from pretty much anywhere on the field, Fagerson insists that a dominant scrum is still as powerful a weapon as any.
Poised to kick off their Heineken Champions Cup campaign against Sale Sharks at Scotstoun tomorrow, he believes the Warriors can base their assault on Europe around a destructive ‘Power Play’.
‘If you don’t get 100-per-cent scrum ball, you can’t really play off it. The World Cup final completely proved that,’ argued Fagerson, who has been in excellent form since returning from Scotland duty in the Far East.
‘The South Africans did their homework really well. They definitely worked on a weakness. They are big men and they went back to what they are good at, being really physical. Good on them.
‘It is a massive part of the game. It’s great to see free-flowing rugby, but scrummaging is a dark art and something I really love doing. I’m glad it’s now front and centre of rugby again.’
Going up against an English Premiership side invariably proves to be a test of muscle, as Glasgow will know from their various meetings with Saracens over recent seasons. Sale do not carry the same glamour and prestige as the three-time European champions, but they do boast some considerable South African beef in their forward pack.
‘Scrummaging is always a battle,’ continued Fagerson. ‘Premiership teams think they can get one over us.
‘Hopefully, I’ll get the chance to play and it will be a good set-piece battle. I’m looking forward to it.’
Although referencing the games against Leicester, when Warriors claimed a stunning 43-0 victory to advance into the knockout stages in 2017, Fagerson believes it is too simplistic to view these matches as Calcutta Cup-style affairs.
‘It doesn’t matter who you play, it’s always tough against English and French teams and you want to play your best,’ added the 23-year-old.
‘When it comes to the Champions Cup, everyone goes up a level. Training has a bit more bite, a bit more intensity, which is great.’
Glasgow are heading into the showdown with Sale in good form, having won their last two Pro14 matches after a shaky start to the season.
Key to an upturn in their fortunes has been the return of World Cup stars like Fagerson, George Horne and Adam Hastings.
All three excelled in last week’s victory over Zebre in Italy, with Fagerson’s ball-carrying ability to the fore along with two tries for Horne and one for Hastings.
Of a game played in some filthy conditions, Fagerson said: ‘I loved it. It was like being back at Under-16s rugby — a marshy pitch and a real game for the forwards.
‘We had quite a tough start to
the season. Things didn’t go our way. When i came in, i just tried to do what i could to help the team.
‘Everyone who came back in had a big impact. Adam hastings has been great, full of energy and really getting the boys going and bringing that edge to training.
‘george (horne) has been brilliant as well. i’ve played with him for a long time and he is a character on and off the pitch. i absolutely love playing with him. he brings something different to the team. he still steals forwards’ tries, but i let him off with it.
‘We have massive potential in this group and i have all the confidence in the boys who get picked at the weekend. i’m looking forward to seeing what we can do.’