When it comes to your typical image of professional modern-day athletes, numerous Springbok players fit the look, with the national side renowned for its high intensity conditioning programmes.

However, if there is also one thing that rings true about Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus, it is the fact that he is willing to do things differently and offer opportunities to players of all shapes and sizes – as long as they tick the necessary boxes in their position.

From the likes of Cheslin Kolbe to Frans Malherbe, as long as these sorts of players meet the Springbok metrics of performances, they will always have a place in the team.

That brings us to one of the newcomers in the latest Springbok alignment squad, Asenathi Ntlabakanye.

Perhaps one of the most recognisable figures in South African rugby, the powerhouse Lions prop once weighed 155kg, but he has recently brought that down to around 145kg, and his performances have begun to skyrocket.

Incredibly powerful and effective as a ball carrier, his mobility and work rate often belies his size, and the Springbok coaches have begun to take notice.

The 25-year-old has been a standout performer throughout the last couple of seasons, and with the Springbok coaches having openly admitted that more newcomers are set to be exposed to Test rugby this year, Ntlabakanye looks certain to fall in that category.

“This season I’m much lighter than I was in the past two seasons,” he commented during a fascinating interview with RugbyPass towards the end of last year.

“The highest I weighed last season was 155kg; this season I’m clocking in at 148kg. It’s a good drop. I’m feeling a lot better, moving a lot better. It’s something I want to keep working on and see where is the sweet spot for me.

“I think that would probably be around 140-142kg. I’ve never played senior rugby at that weight and I want to see what I can do. And I also think I can go much longer if I get to that weight, I’ll be able to finish games.”

The Springboks have taken notice

Ntlabakanye’s physical dimensions undoubtedly set him apart from the pack, and the Springbok conditioning coaches could see an opportunity to mould the youngster into an even more formidable weapon.

This may be viewed as more of a long-term project, but it could be a timely one considering that the likes of Frans Malherbe, Trevor Nyakane and Vincent Koch will all be on the other side of 35 by the time the next World Cup rolls around in 2027.

DO YOU THINK A TEST DEBUT IS ON THE CARDS THIS YEAR?

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Src: TheSouthAfrican.com - https://rugga.co.za/springboks/bet-on-it-145kg-powerhouse-prop-set-to-debut-for-springboks/