IT WAS a major factor in South Africa winning the World Cup last year, has long been part of the rugby DNA of national teams such as England and Argentina, and is a source of fascination — even bemusement — for many of the sport’s casual observers.

The scrum is that highly physical, often-brutal engagement between two competing packs of eight players that is revered by some as a key tenet of the game.

The game could have a different feel to it in some countries when rugby returns after the coronavirus pandemic.