Bok pro Ox Nche says the Sharks will not let down their guard due to new law changes providing more protection around the scrum-half, ruck and maul.
The Durbanites are expected to go toe-to-toe with Toulouse in the Champions Cup at Kings Park on Saturday, with star no. 9 Antoine Dupont visits the Southern Hemisphere for the second time in his life.
From this weekend, the EPCR competition will feature four amendments to World Rugby law designed to speed up the game.
The new scrumhalf protection law states: Defenders involved in mauls or rucks cannot play scrum-half The ball is within 1 meter of the tackle, ruck or maul, and the offside line of the scrum for non-putters at scrum half is the center of the tunnel.
“It will be a more free-flowing game and he will have a bit more time and safety in the ruck,” Nche said on Tuesday when asked how the Sharks would deal with the threat of Dupont under the new law.
“We need to be prepared for this and we want to do the things we need to do, like set it up early. This is something we have been practicing to avoid having our pants fall down. He is a special player who plays a big part in Toulouse’s play. “We will analyze him and see how we can neutralize him.”
Six-time champions Toulouse made a strong start to their title defense with a 61-21 win over Ulster at home and a 64-21 win at Exeter.
“They showed their level and quality,” Nche said. “They are bringing a strong team to South Africa so it will be very exciting. I love testing myself against the best in the world and not many teams come close to Toulouse in terms of the way they play. I think it will be one of the most exciting games we play this year.”
As you might expect, Nche is most interested in the battle ahead.
“In the top 14 it’s all about the scrum and Toulouse have a very good pack,” he said. “They are probably the best in France in terms of form. They have a system that works for them and they work well together. “It will be a good challenge for us and I am looking forward to it.”
The Sharks scrum has been struggling with injuries of late but will welcome back Bok hooker Bongi Mbonambi, who has recovered from a hand injury.
“Bongi is an important part of the herd,” Nche said. “I’ve played a lot of games with him, so I know exactly how to work together and adapt.”
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Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
