Springbok star could be set for position switch

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus is reportedly preparing to institute a positional switch for a star forward.

Erasmus is said to have asked the Sharks to give Ox Nche minutes at tighthead prop to add depth to the Springboks’ front row stocks.

Springbok star could change position

Sunday newspaper Rapport, have suggested that the decision has already seen Nche playing and training in his new position.

Nche played at tighthead in the second half of the Sharks clash against Zebre.

While Nche was central to the Sharks quarterfinal win in the Challenge Cup, he played his minutes at loosehead.

For the cause

Nche is a team-focused player and a man who had to sacrifice a lot to reach the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Nche’s path to the top hasn’t been a cakewalk but he is undoubtedly one of the big presences in the Springbok camp.

“It kind of makes all the sacrifices that I made worth it, it’s a good feeling,” said Nche of his selection.

“I mean, whether you’re a student or working, you put in something and hope that in return you will get success or something back. I think for me (going to the World Cup) it’s the highest form of success I can get. It’s amazing, it makes all the sacrifices and all the hours spent investing (in rugby) worth it.”

Always learning, always growing

Nche says that he has learned so much about the game from his national team comrades.

“I always say you try to take in the good that you can – if it’s going to help you become good at what you do, you take it,” he said.

“Sometimes you get people who won’t listen to you or be willing to help you, but fortunately for me I’m with a group of guys that are willing to learn and also teach me, that’s how I have got to where I am. Guys are always willing to help me and answer the questions that I have.”

Nche is another Springbok front row forward who excels in the loose and at the breakdown and his play goes far beyond his excellent scrum work.

Rassie Erasmus limited in Springbok choices

Erasmus also won’t know for some time if he will have any Bulls and Stormers players available for the Wales Test.

Any players involved in the URC final will not be available for selection and Springboks based in England and France aren’t expected to be free for the clash outside the international window.