Kyle Sinckler Defends Springbok Scrum After All Blacks Illegal Tactics Accusations

• England prop Kyle Sinckler responded to All Blacks coach Dave Rennie's accusations that the Springboks used illegal scrum tactics during the series
• Sinckler argued that external pressure from New Zealand only motivated the Boks, who went on to earn four scrum penalties in the third Test
• The former England tighthead also weighed in on the debate over World Rugby's potential plans to reduce the prominence of the scrum

England tighthead prop Kyle Sinckler has come out in defence of the Springbok scrum, dismissing suggestions that South Africa needed to resort to illegal tactics during Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series against the All Blacks.

All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie made headlines after both the first and second Tests by accusing the Springboks of "walking around" at the scrum, a charge that drew significant attention ahead of the decider at FNB Stadium.

Sinckler backs Boks in scrum row

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Speaking on the [Biggar Thinking: Rugby Analysis podcast](https://www.biggarthinking.com), Sinckler said Rennie's public criticism appeared to have the opposite effect to what was intended.

"All of the pressure that was put on [the Boks] by the New Zealand side in terms of walking around, wheeling around, I've never heard so much [about it]," Sinckler said.

"But I think that kind of pressure from the outside really revved up the South African boys and they really put it to New Zealand in this Test."

The third Test proved his point. The Springboks earned four scrum penalties and secured a penalty try late in the first half after overpowering the All Blacks pack at the set-piece.

Sinckler, who has faced South Africa on multiple occasions during his international career, was adamant that a team of their calibre had no incentive to bend the rules. He also pointed to the Springboks' record as evidence of their scrum's legitimacy.

Sinckler Opposes Moves to Depower the Scrum

The prop also addressed ongoing discussion around whether World Rugby intends to reduce the scrum's role through law changes or altered referee interpretations, making clear his opposition to any such move.

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"The scrum is what makes rugby union rugby union," Sinckler said.

"This is a contest. This is what rugby union is about. This is the only chance, realistically, in my opinion, within the sport where you literally go up against your opposite man."

Source: Briefly News