Scrum demolition expert Ox Nche says the Springbok scrum is in good hands based on the work ethic of the younger props in the squad.
The 40-Test Bok loosehead prop is one of the senior players in the group, especially so among the props given the absence Frans Malherbe and Trevor Nyakane.
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Nche has been working closely with Lions tighthead Asenathi Ntlabakanye and rates him highly: “He’s a good player, he works hard, has rugby IQ, and he loves the game. That’s one thing I’ve noticed about him.
“Even after a tough session, you can see that while Asenathi knew it was hard, he understood it had to be done.”
Nche told IOL Sport competition in the front row is fierce, with young looseheads Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Boan Venter knocking on the door. But he says this just raises everyone’s game.
“I know that the better Jan-Hendrik is, the more he pushes himself, the more I have to push,” said Nche. “Jan-Hendrik is a young, dynamic player who gets around the park and is quick and strong. Boan is a strong ball-carrier and very good at the set piece. The competition just stays up there.
“If I go off and Jan-Hendrik or Boan come on, I have no doubts about what to expect. It’s the same with Thomas du Toit — you’ve seen how well he’s doing in England. Our environment is about making each other better, not pulling each other down. We’re here to improve each other.”
Photo: Daniel Hlongwane/Gallo Images
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