Ntlabakanye’s ‘cult hero’ status pending
Ahead of his first outing for the Springboks, prop Asenathi
Ntlabakanye’s ascension to ‘cult hero’ seems to be already underway.
The burly Lions bruiser will wear the prestigious number three jersey for South Africa this Saturday against the Barbarians in Cape Town fulfilling a dream that he might have though unattainable.
From the basketball courts of St Stithians College in Johannesburg, Ntlabakanye’s rise to Bok tighthead prop has come through a lot of sacrifice after another stellar season for the struggling Lions in the URC.
Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus brought to light that the 26-year-old went through a vigorous transformation in order to meet the high standards expected by the Springboks.
“In Asenathi we see someone who has an unbelievable touch and feel for the game,” Erasmus said. “When we started looking at him two years ago, his battle rates are up there with the other guys.”
Springbok scrum coach Daan Human has been at the forefront of the Springbok scrum dominance over the years.
“He went to Daan’s (Human) farm a few times and would stay there for a week; and Daan worked with him there with the blessing of the Lions coaches and CEO.
“Whenever he had a break, he drove to Daan’s farm, and he’s dropped 15 to 18 kilograms so we hope he can do it [replicate his URC form] at test level.”
Ntlabakanye will partner the experienced Ox Nche and Malcolm Marx in the Springbok front row for this weekend’s clash.
Unfortunately for Ntlabakanye and the other uncapped players they will have to wait for their first official cap as caps aren’t awarded for clashes with the Barbarians.
The Springboks and the Barbarians have a rich history and the Boks have lost four of the eight matches they have played to go with three wins and draw.
Their last meeting was in 2016 when the teams drew 31-31 at Wembley Stadium.
