The Loosehead Prop position in rugby is the second most important position after the Tighthead Prop in my humble opinion. Besides scrum time, the Props’ work and importance go relatively unnoticed to the average rugby fan.
Comparing playing on the left side of the scrum to right side shows a huge difference. Propping is not all about brute strength and power, there is a lot of technique involved and often experience counts more than anything which is why we typically see props peaking in their early 30’s.
The legendary Os du Randt once said that to be good on both sides of the scrum is to set yourself up for a place on the substitutes bench – du Randt has won two World Cup winners medals.
In 2007, the Springboks were a settled side and 99% of the rugby public could name Jake White’s starting XV. When Os decided to retire after Rugby World Cup 2007, the big question on everyone’s lips was: “Who will take over from Os?”
Three years ago it was a young Gurthro Steenkamp that was making waves in the Os’ wake. He was young, talented, powerful and could scrum really well! Although not the finished article, Steenkamp had all the qualities to take over from du Randt. Unfortunately, Steenkamp’s initial path to success was hampered by injury.
The other player earmarked to fill the Loosehead position was CJ van der Linde. It was at tighthead that van der Linde won his World Cup winners medal, but with BJ Botha in the realms returning from injury on the Tighthead side, it was a feasible option. Van der Linde, however, decided to make some money playing overseas and didn’t really get an opportunity to establish himself at Loosehead for the Boks because of this.
In 2008 the main objective was to fill the void left by Os. In 2008 Zimbabwean born, Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira reinvented the Loosehead prop as we know it.In 2008 South African rugby fans developed a new chant: “BEEEEAST”.
Beast was strong, scrummed extremely well and had ball skills and speed like no other prop. The international rugby world had gotten used to the Hooker being a 4th Loose Forward, South Africa now had a 5th!
The Beast established himself as the starting No.1 and held this spot until the beginning of 2010 when the South African government stepped in to take legal action against SA Rugby if they selected him, as he was not a South African National.
After a stellar 2010 Super 14 campaign with the championship winning Bulls, Gurthro Steenkamp was given a second opportunity to stake his claim for the No.1 jumper in the June internationals. He performed outstandingly and literally sent Martin Castrogiovanni – who many rate as the best TIghthead scrummager currently in world rugby - to the stands with injured ribs.
With the Beast now back in contention, as he has been granted South African citizenship, South Africa possesses the two brightest talents in the Loosehead position.
On current form, Gurthro retains the starting spot but he can’t rest on his laurels with the BEEEAST biting at his heels.
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