The current Springboks squad can justifiably count themselves as some of the best to have ever donned the green and gold, and prop Ox Nche said it will take some time to process how much they achieved.
Their achievements are ever-growing, after winning successive Rugby World Cup titles and now hurtling towards the Rugby Championship title.
The Springboks have 18 points after their four wins in a row to start the competition, with second-placed Argentina on 10. A win in their next match against hosts Argentina later this month would seal the title.
With the Springboks, as hosts, beating the All Blacks in Johannesburg and Cape Town it also meant that South Africa had beaten New Zealand four times in a row for the first time. The previous two victories came in the Rugby World Cup final last year, and the warm-up match between the sides ahead of the tournament.
Hasn’t sunk in
For Nche, it’s been an incredible journey.
“It’s something that hasn’t fully digested yet. Even as a kid I know you don’t just do that. It takes a special effort. I think Siya [Kolisi] and the management have brought in the guys in the squad and it’s been amazing. It’s a good feeling to see it come to life like that,” Nche told IOL.
“I hope the Springboks can inspire people to be the best versions of themselves.”
Nche also spoke about how important it was to take care of his mental health, while much of the focus lay on his physical preparations for Springbok matches.