Bok teammate lauds World Rugby Awards nominee Nche
by KickOff Rugby · KickOffSpringbok prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye tells KickOff that fellow frontrower Ox Nche, who has been nominated for the prestigious 2026 World Rugby Men's 15s Player of the Year award, is one of the best technical looseheads in the world.
Ntlabakanye, a rising star in the South African front row, offers valuable insight into why the 1.73m Nche is considered the toughest scrummager by some of his peers, including Springbok tighthead Frans Malherbe.
The praise comes as Nche, alongside Pieter-Steph du Toit and Malcolm Marx, was named as a contender for the top global prize, while young Ethan Hooker was nominated for the Breakthrough Player of the Year.
Ntlabakanye confirms the widely held belief that Nche’s success is built on skill, not stature. “It’s not all about size, it’s about technique, and Ox is definitely one of the best technical looseheads in the world,” Ntlabakanye tells KickOff.
This sentiment goes to the heart of what makes Nche such a formidable opponent – his lower centre of gravity and masterful application of leverage give him a crucial edge in the set-piece battle.
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A growing love for the scrum
Ntlabakanye is candid about his own journey in the front row, admitting he didn't always share the passion for scrummaging that has defined Nche’s career.
“I’ll be honest, I didn’t love scrummaging when I first started playing, I just loved to get the ball in my hands and run over defenders,” he confessed. The shift in attitude highlights the commitment required to excel in the dark arts of the scrum.
Facing a player of Nche’s calibre is both a trial and a lesson for up-and-coming props like Ntlabakanye. The challenge presented by the experienced Springbok is one he embraces for the growth it offers.
“Ox is far more experienced and can give players like me a tough time when I play against him. But there you have to be able to nullify what he does if you want your scrum and team to get an edge.”
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