Steaks, Scrums, And Os du Randt: Nche Drops Ultimate Warning To England Ahead Of Brutal Front-Row Battle

Springbok prop Ox Nche expects England to provide a formidable challenge up front when the two sides meet, warning that the visitors’ scrum remains one of the strongest aspects of their game.

England have introduced several exciting young players into their squad, but Nche believes their forward pack has retained the qualities that have long made it one of the toughest packs to face at scrum time.

“They are very consistent,” Nche said. “They go low and hit, so I think it will be quite a challenge.

“They have a lot of younger players who are excited about scrumming. They have a very good scrum, and we are looking forward to the challenge.”

Nche – famous for the phrase, “Salads don’t win scrums” – also dismissed any suggestion that he had changed his diet in preparation for England’s renowned physicality.

“The diet has been largely steaks this week,” he joked.

Beyond the set piece, Nche believes England’s youthful squad will also pose a significant attacking threat after impressing in the Premiership.

“They are an exciting bunch of players,” he said. “We’ve watched Northampton and Bath in the Premiership, which has been exciting this year. They have a lot of youngsters playing for England, so it’s a team full of energy that will definitely front up.

“It will be physical. They have lots of energy and have added plenty of variation to their game as well.”

Nche also reflected on the influence of Springbok legend Os du Randt, explaining how the two-time Rugby World Cup winner helped redefine the expectations of modern-day props in South Africa.

“We had very traditional props who only scrummed, walked onto the field and made a few good carries here and there,” Nche said.

“As a kid, I remember Os gathering the ball from the kick-off and almost running through an entire team.”

Nche believes Du Randt’s influence extended far beyond the set piece.

“I think he brought a tremendous work rate, but he was always outstanding at the set piece. He added so much more to the game than just doing the basics, and that’s why we all look up to him.

“He brought a different skill set, and although he was a big man, he was incredibly mobile for his size.”

The loosehead also reserved special praise for fellow prop Zach Porthen, highlighting the rapid strides the youngster has made since joining the Springbok environment.

“He has improved a lot,” Nche said.

“Our scrum sessions are live, eight-versus-eight sessions, and that has given him massive confidence. His game has grown immensely.”

Nche credited Porthen’s willingness to learn as the driving force behind his development.

“He is always willing to learn. He asks questions about how he can improve, and then he applies what he learns.

“That’s the reason he has grown so much in the position. It’s amazing to watch.”