It’s ‘crazy’ to say Beast Mtawarira is past it as Springboks prop

Early in the first half of last week’s Test against France, the Springboks conceded a free kick from a scrum.

Beast Mtawarira was clearly annoyed with referee Ben O’Keefe and even had a few words.

It was a bit out of character for the veteran prop, who is usually a quietly spoken and reserved man.

But Matt Proudfoot, the Springboks’ scrum guru, believes that’s hardly a bad thing.

In fact, it’s a sign of the 31-year-old’s continued passion for international rugby.

Also read: Allister Coetzee: I have no critics, only God can judge me

“These guys (the front row) are giving to each other,” said Proudfoot on Tuesday.

“They’re investing in a platform, meaning the scrum. They take pride in it. When they gain success or a call goes against them, they will react. I’m pleased when I see things like that. I’m glad we have dynamic personalities who are driving the system.”

In Mtawarira’s case, seeing him react so noticeably is vital.

There are quarters of the local rugby fraternity that are questioning his ability.

And there’s probably some truth to it.

Mtawarira hasn’t been in poor form but he has been tailing off steadily over the past few years.

Perhaps that’s because people expect the Zimbabwean-born powerhouse to still be running around like a speeding bulldozer.

Yet Proudfoot insists questioning Mtawarira’s suitability for the Springboks testifies to a lack of understanding about what prop play really entails.

“To say a guy with 90 caps is past it is, in my opinion, absolutely crazy,” he said.

“Beast’s influence has been incredible. Talk to any of the props in the national system and they’ll tell you he’s been great. There’s an appetite from the props to be successful as a collective. Beast has helped the others to engage with each other, to share ideas and give advice.”

In the Springboks camp, scrumming is – to an extent – referred to as a “dark art”.

It’s an aspect of the game where the smallest of technicalities and split second decision-making can have a massive influence.

To be honest, it explains why the normal observer (and some say referees) don’t fully understand scrum law.

International front rowers, though, do and that’s why Mtawarira remains so relevant.

“When you talk about mastering the ‘dark arts’, it comes with experience,” said Proudfoot.

“A guy like Beast just has so much knowledge. He’s been there and he’s done that. Scrumming is not a natural position for the body to be in. It’s about manufacturing a position to shove a unit forward. Beast has mastered that and he’s transferring that knowledge to others.”

For more sport your way, follow The Citizen on Facebook and Twitter.