Ox Nche has relished his extended run as the first choice Springbok prop, and he would like nothing more than to cap that off with a Rugby Championship title this weekend.
Nche was speaking ahead of the Springboks’ final match of the competition against Argentina at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday.
The Springboks will need just a single point from the five on offer against Los Pumas, to win the Rugby Championship.
The 29-year-old said the faith showed in him by Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus is worth repaying.
😳 OX NCHE!!!!! pic.twitter.com/BVZrtii84L
‘Amazing to be backed by Rassie’
"With us, especially in our setup there is number 1 ranked player. Roles change and I have enjoyed being out there consistently.
“I always try to contribute as much as I can to the team and it’s amazing to be backed by coach Rassie [Erasmus] to do the job. Unfortunately, Steven [Kitshoff] is still out but it’s been really exciting,” Nche told SportsBoom.com.
The Springboks have twice made 10 changes to their team from the previous week during the Rugby Championship, and the move to blood new talent has been a clear objective for management.
"In my opinion, its going well. With the number of guys that have received caps and continue to do so. It’s just unfortunate there are players who were meant to be in the squad got injured, but as you can see with guys like Ruan [Nortje] here its testament to the number of locks that have been injured and he is here.
“Ruan has lifted the whole season, and guys are getting their chance. Everyone is in a good space and doing whatever they can for the team.”
"I feel like it’s not a once off when players get an opportunity and happy to play one game for the Springboks, the guys will keep on knocking at the door.
“Even now, we are a squad of 28 [in Argentina] and there are guys playing at home and getting ready to play in the URC [United Rugby Championship] and will still be knocking on the door. We can even see in the Currie Cup how the players have played; it’s been really amazing and healthy for us.”
Nche has also been in the news regarding a rumoured move to France, but he poured cold water on such speculation.
"For me, I haven't heard anything from any French club. I asked my agent; I saw the articles that came out. I asked my agent, and he said he will take care of everything. As far as I know, I haven't heard anything from them.”
“There hasn't been an offer or discussion. it’s probably people who are trying to get people to read their journals and stuff. For me, as its not written on as I am happy to be staying in South Africa.”