Springboks prop Ox Nche to add a new string to his bow in latest Rassie Erasmus experiment

Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus’s latest plan involves powerhouse front-row Ox Nche learning to play on both sides of the front-row.

Nche, who typically plays as a loosehead, shifted across to tighthead during the second half of the Sharks’ dominant round of 16 win last weekend against Zebre Parma.

Versatility

According to the Rapport, the move was at the request of Erasmus, who also wants Nche to train at tighthead with the possibility of the Shark featuring there for the Springboks in the opening Test of the season against Wales.

The United Rugby Championship final and the June 22 Test at Twickenham are scheduled on the same day, although outside of the Test window. As a result, Wilco Louw, Frans Malherbe, and Neethling Fouche will not be eligible for selection. Erasmus has planned for the likelihood that the Bulls and Stormers may advance to the championship game.

Vincent Koch, Nche’s Sharks colleague, would be available, but the Springboks coach is considering other possibilities. For the reigning world champions, who have benefited from players like Trevor Nyakane’s ability to play on both sides of the scrum in the past, versatility is a must.

Can become the starter

With the next Rugby World Cup cycle underway and the Springboks required to phase out a lot of their older It is a fantastic chance for players, particularly those in the front row, for Nche, 28, to secure a starting position by the tournament in 2027.

Since making his Test debut in 2018, the front-row has gained experience. Last year, in the World Cup semi-final against England, the front-row virtually single-handedly saved the Springboks. This demonstrated the worth of the player to the team.

Before Nche entered the game in the second half and put on a scrummaging masterclass, winning multiple penalties, including the game-winning kick by Handre Pollard, Steve Borthwick’s team looked to have the upper hand over the Springboks.

Whatever the highest honour is in South Africa, you need to give it to Retshegofaditswe ‘Ox’ Nché.

When nothing else was going right tonight, that man pulled the Springboks back into the game. #ENGvRSA #RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/oFAaabXy4S

— EK Rugby Analysis (@ek_rugby) October 21, 2023

According to The Rapport, Marnus van der Merwe, a hooker for the Cheetahs who can also play on the flank, offers a role akin to Deon Fourie’s, therefore he might be considered for the Wales Test.

It is thought that Erasmus plans to try out new players in the Wales and Portugal matches, while the more seasoned players would probably be used in the two Ireland Test matches.

Siya Kolisi might be retained if Racing 92 agrees to let the inspiring leader be present for all training camps and Test matches, but the coach has not yet made a decision on the captaincy. They would prefer to have a captain who is based locally.