Lock Ruan Nortje says the Springboks are preparing for a physical battle with Scotland when they play at Murrayfield on Sunday.
The world champions faced Scotland in Jersey last week for a tough opening game of their end-of-year tour, before honing their strategy against England next Saturday and Wales on November 23.
Vodacom Bulls lock Nortje is confident the South African’s experience facing Scotland’s opposition from Vodacom URC at the Bok conference in Edinburgh on Tuesday will provide valuable insight ahead of this week’s clash.
Nortje, who has established himself as a key figure in the Bok second row in 2024, believes the familiarity gained through regular encounters with Glasgow Warriors, Edinburgh and others will give him the edge over Rassie Erasmus’ charges.
“If you look at how a team like Glasgow have developed over the last two or three years… their forward pack is physical and versatile so we are expecting an onslaught from them and we have to be ready. It matches,” Nortje told reporters.
The 26-year-old’s Bok journey has been commendable, with him making his debut in 2022 before waiting until this year to win his second cap. Now with six Tests under his belt, Nortje is relishing the opportunity to play a key role in his first tour with the national team.
“I always knew it would be a tough place in South Africa because obviously that’s where the locks grow, but it’s a great challenge and something I’ve dreamed of since I was a kid,” he recalled.
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“Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I would be where I am today, but it shows that hard work can pay off.”
Nortje’s tireless work ethic and physicality have drawn comparisons to two-time Bok world champion Franco Mostert, and the Bulls’ co-captain is determined to make the most of every opportunity that comes his way.
“Every time you get a chance to wear a springbok jersey, you have to wear it as if it’s your last. “Because there are so many great players and I know that any moment could be the last,” he said.
The Boks’ preparatory camp in Jersey last week prepared the team for the challenges ahead, according to Nortje.
“We had four days of training and it was good preparation. It was important to take a few days to prepare for the testing week, which starts today. We are very pleased with the results we got this week in Jersey… Now everything is focused on Sunday.”
With a well-equipped locking department including the experienced Mostert, Nortje is aware of the stiff competition but embraces the challenge.
“I feel honored to be where I am and blessed to have the opportunity to be here,” he said. “It shows that hard work can pay off.”
Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images
