Rugby
The human wrecking ball Ox takes it to the next level─── MORGAN PIEK 09:30 Wed, 25 Oct 2023
“It's out of this world and I can't really describe it - it's literally the same feeling as passing my matric, getting my degree and winning the Currie Cup all mixed into one.”
The Springbok management has lauded the growth of the loosehead prop, Ox Nche, ahead of Saturday’s Rugby World Cup final against the All Blacks in Paris.
On the weekend, the former Cheetah was phenomenal in the scrum when he came on as a replacement in the semi-final against England and he played a massive role in the 16-15 win.
There have been calls for the Thaba Nchu-born prop to start in the final.
The Springbok forwards coach, Deon Davids, told OFM Sport that the development of a player like in Nche is very satisfying.
“That is what you want to get out of coaching, to try to improve the players, to make a difference in their lives on and off the field, and for them to put in the hard work to do that,” said Davids.
“When you look at how these players operate and how much hard work they put in, how they react with the things that we share with them, trying to track their performance at their franchises, the response of the players towards that to become better.
“When they come into camp, to work harder whether they are selected or not, the desire to be part of the squad and perform for their country, to put up a performance like he did against England, I think that is tremendous.
“We have been working with him from school, through the under-20s, and now being part of the Springboks team.
“To see that development from him as a player and as a person is tremendous and such an inspiring feeling from a coaching perspective.”
Ox Nche on being selected for the World Cup
The Springbok scrum coach, Daan Human, who has also walked a long road with the powerful loosehead lauded the character of the cake loving player and believes the best is yet to come.
“I was fortunate enough to coach him ever since I think he was 18-years-old, so for the last 10 years. I must say he has made progress,
“I don't think we have seen the best of him yet. I think from 28 to 32 as a front-row player that is when you are getting into your prime.
“I think there is still a lot of work he can do. He is a great player and person but it is a cohesion effort. It is not a one-man show. You cannot solve problems or go forward by yourself."
Saturday’s Rugby World Cup final in Paris kicks off at 21:00.
Morgan Piek OFM Sport
