Ruan Nortje, the talented lock for the Springboks, has made the most of his opportunities this season. With South Africa renowned for producing world-class locks, Nortje understands the importance of seizing every moment.

The Blue Bulls lock has taken his chance in the locks this season well, featuring against the All Blacks and knocking the ball out after the siren had sounded as the Boks had won the lineout in the Rugby Championship match in Cape Town in September to complete the double over their fierce rivals.  

Nortje was tasked to take the position as coach Rassie Erasmus tinkered in the second row along with Springbok all-time record cap holder Eben Etzebeth. 

This after Franco Mostert suffered an injury in the second test match of the series against Ireland in Durban in July and missed the entire Rugby Championship because of that.  

In the European tour for Autumn Nations Series, the Springbok, in the lock position, is well-stocked with the return of Mostert, RG Synman, Etzebeth, and former World Player of the Year Pieter-Steph Du Toit in the mix, though the latter is natural a flanker.  

“South Africa is a place where locks are bred,” said Nortje on Tuesday. 

In the past, South Africa was also blessed with the best locks such as Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha, who won the World Cup with the Springboks in 2007.  

“I always know it is a tough position to be in, but that is awesome challenge. It is something I have been dreaming about since I was a boy to play for the Springboks and in my wildest dream I don’t think wouldn’t be here today. 

“But that shows you the hard work can pay off. I’m just privileged to be where I’m. I’m just blessed to be in this position and for me it is all about grabbing every opportunity I have to wear the Springbok jersey. I have to wear it like it is my last time because there is much quality players and anytime can be your last time. 

“So, for me it is about embracing each opportunity I have and it is all about representing my country and enjoying representing the country.”   

Nortje was speaking in the press conference on Tuesday as the Boks will face Scotland in Murrayfield Stadium on Sunday (18:10). 

Normally, when a player has briefed the media midweek, chances are big that he might be part of the side of the game over the weekend, as we have seen with coach Erasmus.  

After the Scotland match, the Boks will take a short trip to London to face England at Allianz Stadium on 16 November. 

This is always seen as a grudge match as Springbok beat England in the World Cup semifinal by one point last year, before beating the All Blacks by also one point in the final.

The Boks also beat England in the 2007 World Cup final in France and also in 2019 in Japan.  

Picture courtesy of SA Rugby