New Springboks’ prop Ntuthuko Mchunu has been compared to two of South Africa’s greatest ever looseheads.
It’s hefty praise for the 25-year-old Sharks man who is set to prop the Springboks’ scrum against Portugal at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
Like the “Beast”, Tendai Mtawarira, Mchunu is also a fearsome operator in the scrum and guy who loves to hurt opposition defenders with barnstorming runs with ball in hand. He has also had wonderful season for the Sharks, learning from the very best in the business Ox Nche about the “dark arts” in the scrum.
However, while Mchunu admitted it’s a fantastic feeling to be compared to Mtawarira, he wanted rugby supporters to see him for his qualities rather than a player capable of filling the big boots left by the “Beast”.
“Beast set a path for himself in his own right with all his accolades, and if I can achieve even half of that it would be fantastic,” said Mchunu.
“That said, I’d like people to see me as a player with my own set of skills and for what I can offer the team, so I’d prefer to be seen as Ntuthuku.”
Mchunu, who made his Test debut in Bloemfontein against Wales in 2022, is likely to earn his third Test cap on Saturday and is delighted to be back in central South Africa, where his Bok journey started.
The Springboks are expected to make wholesale changes to the side who lost to Ireland in Durban, resting some of the more senior players.
“It’s good to be back in Bloemfontein and in the squad, and if I get an opportunity to play this weekend it will be honour I plan to make the most of,” said Mchunu.
“There’s been a lot of growth in the team in the last few months, and many of the players are now more mature, so it’s going to be a big test for the team, just as it is in every other Test match.”
Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus will announce his matchday squad to face Portugal on Tuesday afternoon ahead of the match.
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