Springboks scrum coach Daan Human urges FNB Stadium fans to chant ‘scrum’ against All Blacks

Springboks scrum coach Daan Human has called on South African supporters to make their presence felt from the set-piece when South Africa face the All Blacks in the third Test of the Greatest Rivalry Series at FNB Stadium on Saturday.

Human joked that he would like the crowd at the Calabash to create a chant specifically for the scrum, after recalling a famous football chant associated with Norway.

Speaking to reporters this week, Human said: “I actually thought on my way down here, ‘What is that country now in the Soccer World Cup that shouts row, row?’ Norway. I actually would love them to say scrum, scrum.

“But I think South African, they love the game, they love the scrum, so we’ll do our best to perform for them because they deserve it.

“I hope I have at least 20 scrums in the game. That’s what I hope for.”

The comment prompted laughter among the assembled media, but Human also stressed the importance of the support the Springboks receive across South Africa.

The match will be played at FNB Stadium, but Human said the team feels backed wherever it plays in the country. He cited Verkeerdevlei and the Johannesburg venue to underline that the location does not affect the strength of the public’s support.

“With all the South African support that we have at the moment, I don’t care if we’re playing in Verkeerdevlei or playing in FNB, I don’t really care.

“I know, wherever we go, we’ve got support in South Africa.

“But, it’s obvious we don’t want to disappoint them, because they’re really standing behind us, and we need to give it back to them.”

Human’s remarks come with the Springboks preparing for another meeting with the All Blacks in a series described as the Greatest Rivalry Series. He said the players and coaching staff recognise the backing they receive and want to reward supporters with a performance that reflects their enthusiasm for the team and its forward play.

For the scrum coach, a match containing 20 scrums would provide the kind of contest he hopes to see. He also believes South African fans appreciate that part of the game and would respond positively if they were to chant “scrum, scrum” from the stands.

The third Test at FNB Stadium is scheduled to kick off at 17:10 on Saturday.