Adam Jones ranks the best scrummagers of all-time, snubs Tendai Mtawarira

For Danny Care’s YouTube channel, Jones evaluated twelve of the world’s top international props based purely on their scrummaging ability, ignoring mobility, ball-carrying, and other aspects of play.

Using a tier system from A (class standard) to D (less effective), Jones highlighted which props dominate the scrum and which struggled to hold their ground in set-pieces.

Below is Jones’ expert ranking of the world’s best scrummagers.

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Jason Leonard (England)
England legend Jason Leonard earned 114 caps and won the 2003 Rugby World Cup. While celebrated for leadership and durability, Jones places him in D-tier strictly for scrummaging.

Gethin Jenkins (Wales)
With 129 caps for Wales and extensive British & Irish Lions experience, Jenkins was mobile and versatile, but Jones notes his scrummaging alone does not rank among the elite.

Cian Healy (Ireland)
Irish prop Cian Healy, with over 100 caps, is dynamic in open play. Jones ranks his scrummaging as solid but not at the top level.

Euan Murray (Ireland)
A specialist tighthead, Murray excelled in pure scrummaging. Jones says, “He was a good scrummage… out and out scrummager… like myself couldn’t do much else.”

Os du Randt (South Africa)
Two-time Rugby World Cup winner Os du Randt was legendary for raw strength and scrummaging technique.

Owen Franks (New Zealand)
Part of the All Blacks’ 2011 and 2015 World Cup-winning squads, Franks was known for durability and scrummaging consistency.

Andrew Sheridan (England)
Sheridan, capped 41 times by England, was renowned for sheer strength, making him a formidable presence in scrums.

Martin Castrogiovanni (Italy)
Italy’s iconic prop with 119 caps, Castrogiovanni excelled in raw power and set-piece mastery.

Tendai Mtawarira (South Africa)
Known as “The Beast,” Mtawarira dominated scrums with exceptional strength and technique.

Carl Hayman (New Zealand)
One of the most technically proficient and powerful props of his era, Hayman earns top marks from Jones. “Very good… very square… straight in… confident he’s just going to stay there,” Jones said.

Marcos Ayerza (Argentina)
Elite Argentine tighthead Marcos Ayerza impressed Jones with his strength and scrummaging skill. “Very good… tough boy as well,” Jones commented.

Nicolas Mas (France)
French prop Nicolas Mas, capped 85 times, was known for his technique and workrate. Jones concludes, “Good man… tough… tough, that’s tough.”

From jaw-dropping tries to unforgettable moments (and yes, some questionable haircuts), these players defined a golden era of the game. If their names don’t instantly come to mind, we suggest a quick trip to YouTube to jog your memory. Trust us, it’s worth it.

Ready to test your knowledge? Let’s see if you’ve still got it. Good luck!