The evolution of a prop
Much has been said of the ever-changing and complicated laws of the game, which are confusing enough for referees – let alone the public.
Now, spare a thought for the players who – much like match officials – have to change their game and approach to rugby almost every year.
One of the most contentious and important aspects of the game is the scrums and the ongoing doctoring and tinkering with the laws at the set piece is just adding to the mess – rather than solving it.
Newly recruited Highlanders prop Ross Geldenhuys, speaking to rugby365 in an exclusive interview from Dunedin, said you have no choice but to "get on with the job".
The Highlanders have a bye when Super Rugby kicks off this coming weekend – they will face a New Zealand Barbarians selection in their final 'pre-season' outing on Friday – and open their campaign when they host the Crusaders in Dunedin next Saturday, February 21.
Having produced their best season in 12 years, finishing sixth and reaching the play-offs for the first time since 2002, there are high expectations in Dunedin.
"They did really well last year and were unlucky a few times," he told rugby365, adding: "We have high expectations for this year.
"We want to win it, but for now we are just focusing on our first game and beat the Crusaders."
However, it is when talking about the aspects of his game that needs working on that talk quickly turns to the wretched and constant scrum law 'adjustments'.
"[I have to work on] everything in terms of the basics, things I thought I was quite good at," the burly prop said.
"Everything changes every year – the scrum rules change every second year and that is pretty tough for all props.
"You just got to get over it and make the most of it, otherwise you will be left behind."
He said the New Zealand teams also approach the game differently in comparison with South Africa – where he played for a decade, before moving to the South Island last year.
"A lot is focused on basic skills over here," Geldenhuys said, adding: "[They work] on things like your passing, to [ensure you] make that high risk not so much a high risk.
"Then obviously the scrum, which is a really important aspect.
"If you are not good at scrum time other sides will expose you, keep the ball in and get a penalty.
"Rugby is evolving and as players we have to do that also."
Geldenhuys, seen as the ultimate journeyman, were involved in 14 teams since his first-class debut 10 years ago.
However, the 31-year-old prop has finally found redemption for the long, hard slog in the game – a place in the Highlanders team after a stand-out season with the Tasman Makos in the NPC.
It was obviously a huge gamble when he left South Africa last year, but the rewards have been just as momentous and significant.
Geldenhuys moved to New Zealand in 2014, where he linked up with the Tasman Makos and played every game in his first NPC season – playing a key role to helping the Makos to the Final, where they lost 32-36 to Taranaki in a thrilling encounter.
The durable tighthead prop has a decade of first class experience – which has seen him play for a host of teams since his debut for the Border Bulldogs in 2005. He has also turned out for Western Province , the Pumas, Lions (Super Rugby) and Golden Lions (Currie Cup), Boland Cavaliers, Free State Cheetahs, Griffons and Eastern Province Kings.
He was also named in an initial Southern Kings Super Rugby squad, but received no game time. Other squads he trained with, without getting game time included the Blue Bulls and Stormers.
After two doleful years – in which he was passed like a hot potato between the Boland Cavaliers, Free State Cheetahs, Griffons, Eastern Province Kings, Stormers and Western Province (at some of those not even getting game time) – a crestfallen Geldenhuys moved to New Zealand in 2014.
The rest, as they say, is history.
By Jan de Koning
@King365ed
@rugby365com
