Scrummaging demands are different in the NH and the SH. In the SH [especially in NZ and Aus], it's primarily used as a way of restarting the game, not as a massive physical contest and device for winning penalties. I thought that Bent's initial hits were often okay, but the longer the scrum went on, the more trouble he got in [with regards to the profile of his back and legs]. WP Nel, who was a pretty good prop at Super Rugby level, gave an interesting interview on his problems at scrum-time since he has arrived in Edinburgh: http://www.rabodirectpro12.com/news/15642.phpBlue not red blood wrote:Heres one for the scrum nerds.
watching Bent last night very closely. He just doesnt have the same physique as other tight heads. His is built more like Fionn Carr ie skinny waist and and big arms. Doesnt appear to have any weight around midrift ?
Could this be a reason why he is not able to hold up scrum.
Also, did we switch second rows during the game at scrums?
Over to you scrum nerds!!!
"At Edinburgh, I have had to concentrate on my lower body and when I arrived I was possibly a bit underweight compared to others, but I love to score tries," he told The Scotsman. "When I arrived I did find there were more scrums and more set phases and stuff. Your body must get used to that, as it is another mindset from running around the field. With half the season gone, I feel I am playing as well as I have ever done, helped by spending a lot of time in the gym. Back in South Africa, my gym work was more geared to an all-round programme."
Writing somebody off after half a dozen games is premature at any level. It will be interesting to see how he progresses over the rest of the season. He's Irish-qualified – he may as well be from Dundalk or Wexford, it's not as though he's taking up an NIQ spot. Mike Ross has signed up for another two years, is in good form and didn't really start playing professionally until he was 25/26 ... his next contract takes him up to 35 which, when you started as late as he did and in the position he plays, is getting on, not ancient.