If ever you needed proof that the scrum can still be a mighty weapon in the game of rugby, it was provided in the Champions Cup final in Marseille.
Despite being up against Ireland props Tadgh Furlong and Andrew Porter, La Rochelle got well on top in the tight, keeping Leinster on the back foot during a thrilling 24-21 triumph.
While much of the credit for their first European trophy has rightly gone to head coach Ronan O’Gara, one shouldn’t underestimate the contribution of their scrum doctor. Tellingly, given the challenge facing Wales this summer, he is a South African - former Springboks prop Gurthro Steenkamp, a man who earned 53 caps on the loosehead and was part of the 2007 World Cup-winning squad.
