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‘Don’t bring a knife to a gunfight’: Scrum guru on All Blacks' set-piece battle with Boks
Sport Nation • August 18th, 2026 7:15 am
Mike Cron | Photo: Photosport
Mike Cron knows exactly where the first Test could be won and lost.
The former All Blacks forwards coach believes New Zealand have built enough confidence during their South African tour, but says the Springboks will bring a significant step up in physicality and pressure when the serious business begins.
Cron was particularly impressed by the All Blacks’ attacking style and the ruthlessness of the scrum that helped set up Josh Lord’s try against the Bulls.
“I just love their attacking style,” Cron told Sport Nation’s Millsy & Guy.
But he knows the Springboks will look to drag New Zealand into a different kind of contest.
South Africa are happy to hold the ball in the scrum for long periods, forcing opponents to absorb pressure and wait for a mistake. Cron says that patience is a major part of their set-piece strength.
“They’re quite happy to keep it and the longer you keep something in the scrum, eventually something’s going to crack,” he said.
Scotty & Izzy's bold All Blacks prediction for first Test vs Springboks | Sport Nation
The All Blacks will need to be technically sound, physically strong and mentally prepared for a battle that could last well beyond the initial hit.
Cron says balance and body position will be crucial, particularly if the surface at Suncorp proves unstable.
“Scrums, balance is king, height is power,” he said.
“If we can be a fraction lower than them, that’s strength.”
He also believes the All Blacks’ preparation must extend to their equipment, with the right boots essential for generating power from the ground.
“Don’t bring a knife to a gunfight. If you’re going to go in there and go toe-to-toe, you better have the right equipment on.”
Cron praised Springboks scrum coach Daan Human for turning raw size into technically sound, collective power, but believes the All Blacks have enough edge of their own.
He also backed Tyrel Lomax as one of the best modern scrummagers in world rugby, while explaining how Gilbert Enoka can keep the team calm and clear before the biggest Test of their campaign.
Listen to the full interview below:
