Non-Springbok Ben Tamifuna is considered the best scrum-half in the world.
considered the best scrum-half in the world; Tonga and Bordeaux-Begles tighthead Ben Tameifuna holds the South African props in very high regard, and understandably so.
Each league is packed with South African props, including 120kg+ scrum half of the country’s biggest export.
Playing at Super Rugby, Top 14 and international level, Tamifuna has also come up against his fair share of South African props in his time.
Non-Springbok Ben Tamifuna is considered the best scrum-half in the world.
But when asked about the best scrummagers he has faced, the tighthead had a front row that particularly came to mind – a Sharks front three comprising Tendai ‘The Beast’ Matawarira, Bismarck du Plessis and Jonny du Plessis.
Speaking as a guest on Le French Rugby Podcast recently, the 145kg prop recalled turning out for the Sharks and Springboks early in his career. Sure, he’ll struggle against loosehead Matawari on that occasion and many others, but he’ll still get a taste of Springbok Jonny du Plessis’ prowess at the other end.
“Definitely South Africans, scrumming is in their DNA,” Tamifuna said when asked who the best scrummers he had faced were.
The year before that I was watching the World Cup in the pub, the year after that the Super 15 final was huge against South Africa’s front line.
“I think South Africans, they are spoiled. They love it. See what they did when calling a free-kick in the quarter-finals. They have been one of the best scrums in the world.
Non-Springbok Ben Tamifuna is considered the best scrum-half in the world
“It must be something in African waters. They are built differently.”
But when asked who is the best prop at the moment, the Tongan chose Ireland and Leinster tighthead Tadhg Furlong to change the strength of today’s position players.
“From Leinster to furlong, he’s always been consistent,” he said.
“Props that are still shaking in the 60th minute like the first minute. They are players who should be getting normal props now. They are doing a great job in the posit