In this Bok Barometer series, we take a look at the Springboks current place in the pecking order.

Rassie Erasmus has managed to build up tremendous depth in every position in the Springboks squad.

There are at least two to three players capable of starting in each position. If not, more. Let’s take a look at the front runners in the Bok front-row (the props) who have propelled themselves up the pecking order.

We attempt to enter into the unpredictable, mastery and genuis of Rassie with Kitshoff leaving huge boots to fill…

ALSO READ – SPRINGBOKS (SIGNINGS & EXITS): ALL THE MEGA-MONEY MOVES IN AND OUT OF SA

SPRINGBOKS PROPS: THE FAVOURITES TO START

Steven Kitshoff served Springboks honour, passion and aplomb. Representing the national team in 83 test matches. Now, the ginger-haired formidable Bok legend has left massive boots to fill.

However, their is Ox who has rampaged his way to the top of the pecking order and his name is Retshegofaditswe ‘Tshego’ Nché. Aka, the ‘Ox’. In Kitshoff’s abscence, Ox flourished in big test matches against Ireland, New Zealand and Australia. Building on from his monstrous and decisive impact off the bench during the Springboks Rugby World Cup semi-final against the English.

Springbok prop Ox Nche to miss the Wales match. Image: SA Rugby website

Ox, almost single handledly destroyed the English to inspire a memorable and monumental comeback from 15-6 to propel the Box into the Rugby World Cup final. Since then, he has left opposition scrums in ruins en route to becoming the new favourite to start. Kitshoff has massive boots to fill and it is fitting that an Ox is stepping up, rampaging his way to the top.

Meanwhile, Malherbe is the favourite to continue starting in the number three jersey moving forward. The Bok veteran is still in top knick – bringing stability, strength and ensurance on the other side of the scrum.

BOMB SQUAD FILLED WITH EXPLOSIVE POWER

Springboks SABC
not a conflict between SuperSport and the SABC. Image: Gerhard Duraan / BackpagePix

Ultimately, the world-renowned Bok scrum has two engines worth of horsepower with the coveted Bomb squad proving instrumental to the Springboks succuss in recent years.

So, it is fitting for Kitsie, one of the ‘founders’/original members of the Bok squad to pave the way for the next generation. Furthermore, competition for spots on the coveted ‘Bok Bomb’ squad is hotter than ever.

Gerhard Steenakamp is the favourite to don the number 17 jersey. The versatile Bulls powerhouse has consist. Meanwhile, Bok veteran Vincent Koch will be in the picture until he decides to hang up his boots. Additionally, Wilco Louw has destroyed every opposition scrum for the Bulls in the United Rugby Championship. Likewise, Thomas du Toit has done the same in England.

The Bok scrum is the most dominant and the bomb squad is the most explosive in world rugby. SA Rugby is in good hands propelled by beast leagues, power – good luck to opposition scrums.

WHICH PROPS SHOULD START FOR THE BOKS? ALSO, WHICH TWO PROPS HAVE PROPELLED THEIR WAY INTO THE COVETED BOK BOMB SQUAD?

Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.

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Src: TheSouthAfrican.com - https://rugga.co.za/springboks/bok-barometer-props-pecking-order-favourites-to-start-new-look-bomb-squad/