Interesting that there is a feeling here that lock is an emerging strength, but Boks see it as an AB weakness.
I think the issue is that we notice jumpers who get around the field and under rate the tighthead lock, who with TH anchors scrum, and shores up mauls.
Of those who played lock for ABs in 2025, Holland, Lord and Darry have historically been LH locks in scrum, meaning Barrett, who is a world class LH scrummager, has had to fill out on TH side.
On the TH side the best AB scrummager in 2025 was Paddy T, followed by Vaa'i.
It was noticeable that with both ruled out for the EOYT our scrum was markedly less potent.
One reason why BBBR, an excellent TH scrummager, would have considerable attractions.
Of the Super teams, the other TH locks are IWL, Shalfoon, and Dunshea (I think), none of whom seem to be true test level.
A recent development has been Darry packing down on the TH side for Blues, and judging by the Crusaders game, where Blues had the edge in scrum, he could be a potential back up there for ABs.
It does seem an area which doesn't get enough attention in NZ rugby.
We need some new blood there. The Chiefs have a couple of youngsters who definitely have the physiques: Sa (203/125) and Vakasiuola (197/122), so hopefully one of these develops into a starter.
With the recent aerial rule changes the number of scrums has risen significantly, and we can be sure that this will be an area the Boks will be gunning for.
