The USA’s first try came not only from a scrum, but a scum that was shoving Canada backwards. This is a much improved scrum, more solid, and now getting to be aggressive. That try was a fabulous moment in the history of this current team, as they use what was a weakness as a strength.

And that try showed how good things happen when you get a forward-moving scrum, rather than one that is just trying to rescue the ball at the back. 

The reason? Well for years USA coaches have made the decision to go with mobile props who can get a lot of work done around the field, and who can survive in the scrum. Mike Tolkin has taken a slightly different approach, as he has found two props, Eric Fry and Titi Lamositele (pictured at right, David Barpal photo), who may not be brilliant around the field, but make sure the scrum functions. With a group of athletic forwards elsewhere in the pack, who can cover ground and also push, the scrum have improved. And another big thing mentioned by players this year is the need for the back-rowers to push. They’ve taken that to heart, and it makes a difference.

Item #2 - Quick Ball