Springbok Prop: “Next Week Is A Must-Win” Against Australia

Following the Springboks’ disappointing 38-22 defeat to the Wallabies at Ellis Park, prop Ox Nche has declared that the next Rugby Championship match against Australia at DHL Stadium is a “must-win.”

The loss, which saw the Boks surrender a 22-0 lead, has put pressure on the team to get their campaign back on track.

Nche, who was visibly disappointed after the loss in the Rugby Championship opener, emphasized the team’s ambition to win the tournament. “We want to win the Rugby Championship,” he stated. “Next weekend is a must-win Test (against Australia in Cape Town), and we have to get as many points as we can.”

The Wallabies outscored the Boks six tries to three, with Nche attributing the result to a failure to execute their game plan in the second half. “At halftime, the chat was simply to stick to the plan and execute things, as it was working. But we just went off the script in the second half.”

He noted that the Wallabies seemed “more prepared” and capitalized on every opportunity. “They scored three easy tries early on… Everyone just started going off on their plan instead of sticking to the plan we had as a team,” he said.

Looking ahead to the upcoming match, Nche stressed the need for better preparation and execution. “For me personally, it means more hard work, more preparation, and to be better prepared. The only thing we can do is to execute better.”

The Springboks traveled from Johannesburg to Cape Town and will begin their preparations on Monday for the crucial second Test. New Zealand’s All Blacks currently leads the Rugby Championship after their victory over Argentina.