Lock Ruan Nortje said the Springboks are steeling themselves for a physical battle upfront from Scotland when the teams lock horns at Murrayfield on Sunday.
The world champions spent last week in Jersey, honing their strategy for a tough end-of-year tour opener against the Scots, followed by England next Saturday, and Wales on 23 November.
Speaking in a Bok conference in Edinburgh on Tuesday, Vodacom Bulls lock Nortje is confident the South Africans’ experience facing Scottish opposition in the Vodacom URC will provide valuable insights ahead of this week’s clash.
Nortje, who in 2024 has established himself as a key figure in the Bok second row, believes the familiarity gained through regular encounters with Glasgow Warriors, Edinburgh, and others will give Rassie Erasmus’ charges an edge.
“If you look at a team like Glasgow and how they’ve grown over the last two, three years… their forward pack is physical and versatile so we’re expecting an onslaught from them and we’re going to have to be ready to match that,” Nortje told reporters.
The 26-year-old’s Bok journey is commendable, making his debut in 2022 before waiting until this year to earn his second cap. Now with six Tests under his belt, Nortje is relishing the opportunity to play a prominent role on his first tour with the national team.
“South Africa is obviously a place where locks are bred so I always knew it was a tough place to be, but it’s an awesome challenge and something I’ve been dreaming about since I was a boy,” he reflected.
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“In my wildest dreams I wouldn’t have thought I’d be where I am today, but it shows you that hard work can pay off.”
Nortje’s tireless work ethic and physical attributes have drawn comparisons to two-time Bok world champion Franco Mostert, and the Bulls co-captain is determined to make the most of every chance that comes his way.
“Every opportunity I have to wear the Springbok jersey I have to wear it as if it’s my last time because we know there’s so many quality players and any time can be your last time,” he said.
The Boks’ preparation camp in Jersey last week has the team primed for the challenges ahead, according to Nortje.
“We had four days of training and it’s been good preparation for us; it was important for us to get that few days under the belt for Test week starting today. We’re very happy with what we got out of the week in Jersey… now it’s full focus on Sunday.”
With a well-stocked lock department that includes the experienced Mostert, Nortje is aware of the fierce competition for places, but he embraces the challenge.
“I’m just privileged to be where I am and blessed with opportunities to be here,” he said. “It shows you that hard work can pay off.”
Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images
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