Fri 14 Dec 2012 | 01:23
Friday Funnies - Possibly the best scrum celebration ever

16
Comments

While the flashy backs make headlines with hat-tricks, outrageous celebrations, and big dives over the tryline, it's the guys up front that often do the grunt work that allows those opportunities. Here's a quick look at a great moment from a few weeks back.

Being a prop isn't exactly glamourous, and although it could be argued that at times scrumming isn't quite what it used to be, it's an important aspect of rugby that tends to be overlooked.

So when London Wasps prop Phil Swainston celebrated winning a scrum penalty vs Leicester Tigers as though he had scored a try, it caught the attention and made for a great piece of footage.

"We worked really hard all week on the scrum and it's something we really put a lot of focus on and to get a reward out of that, and even though it's not a full strength Leicester, it's still a real postive and you've got to celebrate when you get these wins," Swainston said post match.

"People say you don't feel the pressure, but you feel the pressure on those scrums, and you're just trying not to go down because you don't know where the penalties going to go."

Showing he's a gent, he also acknowledged the good work by the backs.

"The backs really kicked well and gave us possesion, so that's all you can really ask for," he added.

Time: 0:34
Credit: LondonWaspsOfficial

16 Comments

  • pretzel
    9:08 PM 22/12/2012

    Or perhaps you've been cast under the IRB spell...

  • cheyanqui
    6:31 AM 20/12/2012

    he's brought the game into such disrepute, he should be forced to scull his pint.... that is assuming props even scull pints these days.. or even eat meat pies or braai or asado for that matter...

  • browner
    7:51 PM 19/12/2012

    keep the compliments coming Pret-ty boy
    Stamping, racking ....... only seperated by interpretation & angles & ferocity.

    You are a 'complex' commentator, as i'm sure you contradict your own statements ... maybe i'm simply misreading your 'good ol days posts' ?

    Happy xmas
    Browner

  • hrufc
    3:56 PM 17/12/2012

    pretzel lets hope that was a piss take just for your sake, such a stupid comment. Granted a rather over the top celebration but that would be a source of amusement not danger. I believe he is more than capable of controlling where he throws his arms IN CELEBRATION nothing else. Games are won and lost in those small moments. A scrum like that can change the mind set of a forward pack. All this chat about him being small is rubbish. If that was the case why would Wasps have signed him. Wasps Coach is an ex international prop himself and clearly saw some talent. Also he is 23! Most props don't reach there true prime until there late 20s.

  • stroudos
    11:22 AM 16/12/2012

    First time I've seen a prop with massive dreadlocks - just doesn't seem very sensible...

  • pretzel
    12:51 PM 15/12/2012

    Browner do you have some severe learning difficulties?

    I don't recall ever mentioning stamping on players hands or calves... let alone in a scrum situation...

  • lwv1977
    12:06 PM 15/12/2012

    Another decent scrum.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yp73T0jNVgs

  • upthelowend
    11:15 AM 15/12/2012

    ...he's very obviously being sarcastic, no one in their right mind would write that in a serious manner!

  • rugbydump
    10:01 AM 15/12/2012

    Hi Bizzie, they're up here SA Sevens Highlights

  • iamaj8
    3:34 AM 15/12/2012

    really..??? ^^

  • besthookerintown
    2:42 AM 15/12/2012

    Genuinely don't know if you're messing or not Pretzel. If you are, sorry bud but sarcasm doesn't work over the electronic devices.

    If not, you are most defiantly a "fairy boy" winger. I don't disagree with this lad celebrating, he probably did a lot more work than any other player on that pitch. But sadly props don't get recognized for their best job which is propping.

    But please just for some clarity, please tell me you're messing???

  • browner
    2:40 AM 15/12/2012

    LOL pretzel ...... love it.

    But he missed an opportunity that you've not mentioned - look again there is a blue player on the ground as the scrum breaks up.... great chance to demonstrate macho forwardness & stamp on his hands or calves ?

  • pretzel
    12:58 AM 15/12/2012

    Actually on closer inspection I think this is outrageous. Not only is it really dangerous him swinging his fists around, it is also horrific for parents to see. He could have very easily punched another player in the face and broken a jaw with the power with which he was swinging his fists, that player would have had weeks and weeks off recovering, and it might have even broken his neck if it flipped his head back so far!

    As for the parents, well imagine seeing a giant grown man behaving like a wild animal, no sir, I wouldn't send my little boy into a big nasty game with ruffians like him around!!! Disgraceful behaviour, 15 week minimum ban!!!

    We must stamp out this dangerous maniacal behaviour NOW!

  • pretzel
    12:23 AM 15/12/2012

    Ah well, as others say, why not? I mean, I suppose the more traditional, well done pat on the back from everyone to everyone is more "expected" but why not get excited!!!

  • will.f
    10:50 PM 14/12/2012

    Reminds me of the ABs celebrating after they won a scrum against Australia in the WC semis last year. Brad Thorn and Jerome Kaino acted like they'd just won the game, haha.

    And why not? Plenty of points are only kicked thanks to forwards winning penalties from a good scrum.

  • darabman
    8:02 PM 14/12/2012

    Haha, monster drive! He's got every right to celebrate.