Simbuzo Ntshwe will join the Lions squad before the start of the United Rugby Championship (URC) season to play against reigning champions Leinster at Ellis Park on Saturday at 13:30. Ntshwe brings rich experience to the team after his time in France.
At 33 years old, Ntshwe has received a new opportunity in Johannesburg. His career includes appearances for the Stormers, Sharks, Springboks, and in France. He intends to use all the knowledge gained to support the Lions.
Before moving to the Stormers, Ntshwe played for SA Schools, junior Springboks, and Blitzboks. He then spent three years at the Sharks, winning all six of his Springboks captain's badges in 2018, which was the first year under Rassie Erasmus' leadership.
The last chapter of his career was in France, where he played for Montauban and encountered a completely different style of rugby. He noted: 'I really enjoyed it there. I learned a lot about how the French play—it's very set-piece oriented and aggressive rugby.'
Ntshwe also adapted to the local culture by learning French. He stated: 'I wanted to learn the local slang. The club provided a teacher, but I also had a private tutor.'
Ntshwe believes that the Lions' open approach aligns with his strengths. He added: 'The Lions are a bit more expansive. They run the ball. I am just looking forward to it.'
Furthermore, he has to adapt to Johannesburg after years spent in Durban and France. He mentioned: 'It's a different environment, different air. We have altitude compared to sea level, as well as different running styles.'
Ntshwe realizes that at 33, he needs to work hard to keep up with younger players, especially in the Lions' low-forward group, which is filled with athletic ball carriers. He emphasized: 'The depth of low-forwards in the Lions is strong. And aging forces you to stay fit to keep pace with young guys like Siba Makhaza.'
However, instead of viewing competition for spots as a threat, Ntshwe sees it as an opportunity for low-forwards to learn from each other. He considers it 'healthy competition' aimed at improvement and mutual learning. He also noted that he can share knowledge gained from senior players such as Franke (Horn).
The desire to give back knowledge has become an important part of Ntshwe's perspective as one of the most experienced players in the squad. He wants to pass on the experience gained from outstanding players, including Springboks legends Schalk Burger and Duane Vermeulen, to the next generation.
When asked if a strong campaign with the Lions could bring him back into Erasmus' sights, he replied that he is focused on the Lions first before getting distracted by other things. He stressed that his main goal is to enjoy returning to South Africa and working hard, and his role is to do his job, whether starting or coming off the bench, contributing to the team.
This experience will be tested in the early match against the formidable Leinster side on Saturday. He warned that champions like Leinster should not be underestimated, and their game must be studied carefully. He also mentioned that Jacques Nienaber is a good coach and key to the team's defense.