Ox Nche reaches 50 caps as Springboks prepare for decisive All Blacks Test

Ox Nche marked his 50th Test appearance by reflecting on the coaches and family members who helped shape his career, but the Springboks prop has little time to savour the milestone with the series against the All Blacks level at 1-1.

Nche reached the landmark during South Africa’s memorable 33-26 victory over New Zealand in Cape Town. The result brought the Springboks back into the contest and made his achievement even more significant, coming against one of international rugby’s biggest rivals.

The 50-cap milestone also prompted Nche to think about the people who supported him before he reached the highest level.

“Looking back at the journey, it was special, in fact, one of my high school coaches messaged me this afternoon,” said Nche.

“He literally used to take time out of his family schedule to come and help us with gym and on-the-field sessions during the holidays. From him to all the coaches who have been involved in my life over the years, it’s amazing.

“It was a day of reflection, seeing how far I’ve come and thinking about all the people who believed in me and backed me through the years, I just wanted to make them proud and keep going.”

Nche said sharing the occasion with a victory over the All Blacks had added to the emotion of the day. However, the Springboks’ attention has quickly shifted to the third Test, which will be played at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on Saturday.

The South African squad travelled from Cape Town, known as the Mother City, back to its training base in Johannesburg on Sunday morning. Following a recovery day, the players were due to return to training on Monday as preparations resumed for a match expected to draw a crowd of more than 80,000.

The scale of the occasion is not lost on Nche, who hopes the stadium will be full for the latest meeting between the two sides.

“I think it’s going to be massive and we hope it will be sold out. It’s going to be a huge occasion, and a challenge for both teams, and we’re looking forward to it.”

The opening Test of the series gave New Zealand the advantage, before South Africa responded with their 33-26 win in Cape Town. With neither side able to establish a lead after two matches, the Johannesburg fixture could prove decisive in what is widely regarded as the Greatest Rivalry.

The Springboks will face the All Blacks at FNB Stadium on Saturday, 5 September, with kick-off scheduled for 17h10. For Nche, the match offers an immediate opportunity to build on a career milestone while helping South Africa claim the series.