Springboks legend Steven Kitshoff has retired. So, who will be the man replacing him?
Springboks legend, “Kitsie” recently hung up his legendary and iconic boots. Kitshoff underwent neck fusion surgery before making the tough decision to call it a day.
Unfortunately, that means his days in the green and gold are numbered. So, Rassie Erasmus and the Boks must find a worthy replacement to step up as they enter into mission ‘three-peat’.
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First things first, ‘Kitsie’ and Ox Nche have shared the load when both players were available.
Ultimately, Rassie rotated both Springboks with both players getting big starts and being utilized off the bench. However, Ox started most games last season with Kitshoff sidelined with injury. Meaning, Ox is the clear front-runner to run the front row as he runs over front rows in the scrum. After all, they don’t call him Ox for nothing.
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He famously almost single-handedly saved the Springboks as he bulldozed through the English scrum.
Initially, he won a crucial scrum penalty inside the Boks 22 when they were trailing 15-6 with less than 10 minutes to go. Thereafter, he won a penalty which allowed the Boks to gain some much-needed territory with the kick for touch resulting in a scrum inside the English 22 with five minutes to go. This resulted in RG Snyman barging his way over the try line to give the Boks some hope with three minutes to go. The Boks trailed 15-13 in the pouring rain against their old foe, the English.
Finally, Ox made it clear the the world that ‘salads don’t win scrums’ when he won a decisive penalty on the half way line. The set up a chance for Handre Pollard to kick the winner fro, inside his own half, which he did and the rest is history. Just like the English scrum.
Thereafter, Ox stamped his authority as the Springboks first choice number 1 with huge performances against Ireland and the All Blacks.
NEXT IN LINE UNDER RASSIE
Rassie has established tremendous depth in all positions. This is testament to his wisdom, vision and planning as Bok coach. The Springboks are striving to become the first team in world rugby to win three RWC trophies in a row – mission ‘three-peat’. SA Rugby depth is essential to this.
So, who is next in line to step up following Kitshoff unfortunate early retirement? While, Rassie has made sure that the Springboks are not short of options – that’s for sure. Currently, the likes of Wilco Louw, Gerhard Steenekamp and Jan-Hendrik Wessels.
All three men are capable of playing on both sides of the scrum. Furthermore, Wessels offers himself as an additional hooker too. Louw certainly put his hand up at during the Springboks end of year tour. Whilst, Steenakamp has been constantly used off the bench under Rassie since he returned to the coaching box. Ultimately, Wessels is the wildcard. Whilst, Steenakamp is the long-term investment set to take over given his age (27). Louw, like Steenakamp has been in top form for the Bulls during the URC this season. Meanwhile, Louw is entering the latter stages of his Springboks career since he is 30 (turning 31) during the time of publication. However, he is primarily utilized as a tighthead prop (number 3). So it is a straight shoot-out between these men for the coveted spot in the ‘Bomb squad’. Therefore, Steenakamp is the favourite to wear the number 17 jersey since he has been in the recent Bok mixes, he has more years left in him and it is his primary position.
WHO SHOULD BE THE BACK UP TO OX NCHE ON THE COVETED SPRINGBOKS BOMB SQUAD HEADING INTO THE 2027 RUGBY WORLD CUP? WILL OX BE ABLE TO FILL KITSIE’S BOOTS HEADING INTO MISSION ‘THREE-PEAT’ ?
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/springboks-next-in-line-the-next-kitshoff/
