Springbok prop Trevor Nyakane says France’s once-dominant scrum has misplaced its edge.
France powered to the 2026 Six Nations title with 4 wins, sealing the trophy in dramatic trend with a last-gasp victory over England. However for Nyakane, watching from the sidelines as he recovers from a ruptured Achilles, one element stood out.
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“Myself and Bongi [Mbonambi], as we have been sitting and watching, we checked out them [and said] the French really miss Uini Atonio,” he informed the For The Love Of Rugby podcast.
The skilled scrum specialist believes the absence of Uini Atonio has considerably blunted considered one of France’s most feared weapons.
“They actually miss that man proper now as a result of their scrum shouldn’t be the identical anymore. And it was such a devastating weapon.
“All of us knew that in the event you get right into a scrum battle with these guys, they will take it to a darkish place.
“And I noticed a little bit of vulnerability there. And I believe if groups are to analyse it correctly and really attempt to take them on there, I believe there’s room for this chance that you may actually exploit them.”
France’s marketing campaign was something however easy. Whereas they opened with a formidable win over Eire and ran up huge scores in opposition to Wales and Italy, their defensive frailties have been uncovered in a high-scoring loss to Scotland.
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Nyakane at the moment plies his commerce with the Sharks however is aware of the French sport effectively after spending two seasons with Parisian membership Racing 92 between 2022 and 2024.
Photograph: Franco Arland/Getty Photographs
