Asenathi Ntlabakanye says packing down against “the world’s best” at Springbok training, under the guidance of scrum guru Daan Human, has taken his game to another level.
The forceful scrummaging and ball-carrying of Ntlabakanye gave the Lions a steady base of operations throughout a demanding 2024-25 season, as the tighthead prop delivered one of his strongest seasons yet for the Pride.
Starting 21 successive matches across all competitions, the 26-year-old also impressed with his appetite for defence, boasting an 80% tackle-success rate and providing some of the most impactful hits in the Vodacom URC.
His performances didn’t go unnoticed, with the 26-year-old receiving his second call-up to a Bok alignment camp in March, and has been training with the national squad in Johannesburg this week in the buildup to the Barbarians clash at Cape Town Stadium next Saturday.
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The historic match in the shadow of Table Mountain launches the world champions’ 2025 calendar, followed by home Tests against Italy and Georgia in July.
With Frans Malherbe struggling with a back injury, Rassie Erasmus must explore alternatives, and Ntlabakanye, alongside Bulls beast Wilco Louw and Stormers anchor Neethling Fouche, is firmly in that conversation as the Bok coach plans for the 2027 World Cup in Australia.
“It’s been a nerve-wracking last week-and-a-half or so, but at the same time it’s been exciting,” Ntlabakanye was quoted by SuperSport Rugby.
“I think having first gotten the call, and for me to share that moment with my loved ones, was quite special.
“To be around the world’s best, rubbing shoulders, I think for me it’s been eye-opening and very special.
“Being able to do scrum sessions with one of the best looseheads – whether that’s going up against Ox [Nche], Gerhard [Steenekamp] or Jan-Hendrik [Wessels] – you’ve been really tested and that can only bring the best out of you.
“So for me, being able to work with Coach Daan, has also been something that’s eye-opening. I’m learning everyday something new that I haven’t been exposed to,” he added.
🗣️ “Working with coach Daan, I’m learning something new every day, things that I haven’t been exposed to.”
Asenathi Ntlabakanye on how the Springbok camp has gone over the past few weeks and training against his teammates 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/oX76GFEDc5
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) June 20, 2025
Photo: Daniel Hlongwane/Gallo Images
