RWC 'awesome for props'

Auckland - Springbok prop Gurthro Steenkamp says the way the scrums are being refereed at the Rugby World Cup is 'awesome' for props.

"Ireland were spectacular, and at the end of the day the dominant scrum should be rewarded, and be able to launch attacks better and definitely the way it's been reffed at the moment is awesome," Steenkamp said.

"It's keeping the guys honest and ensuring the strongest scrum to dominate.

"At the moment and it's making it awesome for the props because you know that if you are stronger than your opponent you're going to get the better call."

South Africa forwards coach Gary Gold said the teams with the stronger scrums were getting their rewards at the World Cup.

"A lot of people predicted that scrums were going to be a factor in this World Cup," he said.

"The teams that have scrummed well have been able to launch well from those scrum plays and it has seemed to have paid dividends for the teams who have stronger scrums."

Gold said he was encouraged by the refereeing performances at the tournament.

"For me across the board I think the referees have been really good in rewarding the stronger scrums," he said.

"The guys who have come out and wanted to scrum and have been legal at it have been rewarded accordingly."

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