There is information that Springboks loose forward Ox Nche is approaching possible participation in the match against the All Blacks on Saturday. Springboks captain Siya Kolisi and key loose forward Ox Nche are close to starting the first test match of the 'Rugby's Greatest Rivalry' series against the All Blacks at Ellis Park stadium.
Previously, Nche sustained a knee injury during the game against England on July 4th, while Kolisi missed the Nations Cup due to a hamstring injury, after which he suffered this issue again in the test match against Argentina on August 8th. Initially, Kolisi's condition raised serious doubts, but history has shown that the Springboks captain recovers quickly.
On Monday, Rassi Erasmus stated that both players need to complete a day's training without complications. On Tuesday, assistant coach Felix Jones provided more encouraging news, noting that 'both look quite good' and that 'there are no problems or worrying signs we saw today in training.' He added that despite another session planned this week, 'there is nothing significantly negative in anyone's recovery plans.'
These statements indicate that Kolisi and Nche may feature in the starting lineup, which would be a significant boost for the Bokke, given Kolisi's status as a leader and Nche's skill in rucks and overall play.
On the rugby rivalry
The first three matches of the All Blacks tour included 'warm-up' games against the Stormers, Sharks, and Bulls. These games allowed Dave Rennie to provide 40 players with valuable game experience in South African conditions. However, Jones revealed that the objective of this exercise was also on the other side: the Bokke coaching staff also studied the Kiwi playing style.
He noted that thanks to good relations with the United Rugby Championship teams, all coaches communicate regularly. 'It was useful to hear their opinions on their games, but much turned out to be confirmation of what we observed at the Nations Cup (when New Zealand played France, Ireland, and Italy). '
Jones reported that some trends were discernible among the feedback from different franchises. 'Several points regarding ball contact, such as pressed shoulders when entering the contest, and the opposite hand movement without wrapping, which, as I know, did not please the South African teams. This was a constant theme that came up.'
The four-match series promises to be very physical in terms of ball contact. If the All Blacks violated rules using the 'pressed shoulder' tactic to disrupt scrum support during a ruck, the South African match referees and media warned the match officials.
Jones also added that the three URC teams often found themselves in positions to score deep inside the All Blacks' zone (the 22-meter area), but then failed to capitalize on their chances. 'Most teams got several opportunities for an out-lineout there,' Jones said. 'I think they were disappointed that they couldn't score with their maul. It's difficult when someone pulls you or tries to lift your leg, or just loses balance for a couple of seconds.' He called these two common issues that displeased them.
Videos appeared on social networks where Springbok players were 'dancing' around Jones wearing headphones. Jones clarified what they were doing. He explained that they were working with a new virtual trainer that checks reaction time. 'It looks like a simulation of trying to actually gather loose balls from contentious tackles,' he explained. 'We kindly took one or two guys in South Africa who develop it, and they provided us with their module. We think there is something worthwhile in it, and we will continue to use it.'
When the Boks won the World Cup in 2007, they relied on the 'eyegym' program developed by former South African hockey star Cheryl Calder, which helped improve their reaction. Now the Boks can gain another 'virtual' winner.