Original source: The Good, The Bad & The Rugby
This video from The Good, The Bad & The Rugby covered a lot of ground. Streamed.News selected 8 key moments and summarises them here. Everything below links directly to the timestamp in the original video.
Ever wonder what a World Cup-winning prop looks for in his tight five? Thomas Du Toit breaks down the anatomy of a perfect scrum, revealing the players he'd want beside him in the trenches.
Thomas Du Toit Names His ‘Avengers’ Scrum Pack, Selecting Marx, Etzebeth and Kolisi
Springbok prop Thomas Du Toit has assembled his ideal scrummaging unit, selecting Malcolm Marx at hooker for his pure scrummaging prowess, highlighted by his eight-stud boots. He chose Eben Etzebeth as the second-row engine, praising his perfect combination of explosive power and weight to drive the set piece.
For the flanker positions, Du Toit named both Bath teammate Guy Pepper and Springbok captain Siya Kolisi for their unwavering commitment, noting Kolisi is often the last of the back-three to break from the scrum. This "dream team" highlights the blend of technical skill, raw power, and relentless work ethic required at the elite level.
"Siya Kolisi is probably the guy who stays in there the longest from the back three."
Du Toit on the 'Dark Arts' of the Scrum: From Clever Pulls to Neck Pressure
Springbok prop Thomas Du Toit describes the sheer physical intensity of scrum training, where players sometimes "see stars," and credits teammates Ox Nche and Steven Kitshoff as phenomenal athletes. He explains that beyond raw power, the scrum involves "dark arts"—clever, often illegal, tactics used to gain an edge over an opponent.
Du Toit detailed specific examples, such as pulling an opponent on the "bind" call to win a free kick, or applying downward pressure on a loosehead's neck to break their bind. However, he stressed that mastering fundamentals is crucial before ever attempting such trickery in the heat of battle.
"The dark arts would be being clever when the ref is on the other side and the bind call gets called and you actually pull the guy instead of pushing him."
The Prop's Primer: Thomas Du Toit Explains the Technical Divide Between Loosehead and Tighthead
In a clear technical breakdown, Thomas Du Toit explained the fundamental differences between the loosehead and tighthead prop positions. A tighthead engages two opponents—the loosehead and the hooker—and aims to scrum downwards. In contrast, a loosehead faces only the tighthead and seeks to scrum upwards.
This dynamic explains common referee calls like "loosehead down" or "tighthead up," as they signal a prop failing at their primary objective. Du Toit, who has played both positions at the highest level, confirmed that the tighthead role is significantly more physically draining over the course of a match.
"A loosehead tries to scrum upwards whereas a tighthead tries to scrum downwards. So that's why you'll always see the referees go 'loosehead down'… that's opposite to what he has to do."
Scrum Penalties Hinge on Perception and 'Credit,' Says Thomas Du Toit
Reflecting on a tough outing where he conceded multiple scrum penalties against Lions prop Jannie du Plessis, Thomas Du Toit argued that refereeing decisions are often based on perception. He explained that a pack with a reputation for dominance, like the Lions at that time, builds up "credit" with officials.
When a 50-50 call arises, referees tend to favour the pack with the stronger reputation, creating a "positive picture" in their minds that can be hard to overcome for a younger opponent. This insight reveals how a team's history and a player's reputation can directly influence the set-piece battle.
"If you build up credit as a pack that scrums well... the referees tend to see it like this is a positive picture... and then you get this perception."
Owen Franks and Jannie du Plessis Named as Du Toit's Most Respected Opponents
When asked which opponents he respects most, Thomas Du Toit named two props who gave him his toughest lessons: Owen Franks and Jannie du Plessis. He recalled a Super Rugby semi-final where he gave everything against Franks but "couldn't move him," and another game where du Plessis comprehensively "dished him up."
Du Toit expressed gratitude for these difficult experiences, stating they were essential for him to learn and become the player he is today. He also revealed that one of his most prized possessions is a jersey from Schalk Burger's last game, which the legendary flanker signed for him.
"I love the fact that I got dished up so that I could learn out of it and become the best player that I can be today."
▶ Watch this segment — 1:10:06
Young Tightheads Need to Start Games, Not Ride the Bench, Argues Thomas Du Toit
Thomas Du Toit argues that the key to developing young tighthead props is giving them "time in the saddle"—meaning actual match minutes, which are far more valuable than training sessions. He believes tightheads, a position that matures with experience, get exposed quickly if they lack a foundation of game time.
His preferred formula is to give promising youngsters a starting role, with the understanding that they can be replaced after 20 minutes if things are not going well. This controlled exposure is better than throwing them off the bench into a high-pressure situation unprepared.
"I would always advocate for these guys starting and if it doesn't go well after 20 minutes say, 'Listen, come off, we've got someone on the bench that has done it before.'"
▶ Watch this segment — 1:02:13
Scrum Synergy Is Like 'Old Comfortable Shoes,' Says Thomas Du Toit
Successful scrummaging is less about individual strength and more about the synergy of the collective unit, according to Thomas Du Toit. He emphasizes the importance of combinations, where players must understand the tendencies of their hooker and fellow prop to function effectively as one.
Training sessions build this cohesion in stages, from front-row units to the full eight-man pack, ensuring everyone fits the team's structural mold. Established combinations find their rhythm much quicker, feeling like "putting on a pair of old comfortable shoes."
"It's like putting on a pair of old comfortable shoes. You just go, 'Ah, I understand.'"
Du Toit Praises Jerry Flannery’s 'Perfect' Man-Management of Springbok Forwards
Springbok prop Thomas Du Toit credits scrum coach Jerry Flannery as the "perfect man for the job," highlighting his effective management of the forward pack. Flannery's approach is to focus on technical details and analysis early in a Test week, keeping the emotional intensity in reserve.
The emotional "button" is only pressed towards the end of the week, ensuring the players are not burnt out by game day. Du Toit noted this suits his own calm demeanor, as he feels he loses focus if he gets too riled up before a match.
"You can't... emotion will only last that long. So if you press that button in the beginning of the week then by the end of it you're going to be burnt out completely."
Summarised from The Good, The Bad & The Rugby · 1:18:51. All credit belongs to the original creators. The Good the Bad and the Rugby summarises publicly available video content.
