Veteran prop Trevor Nyakane says the Springboks are relishing an even tougher battle up front against Argentina in Johannesburg on Saturday.
Nyakane, who can play at both loosehead and tighthead, is raring to go in his first Test of 2023 after being named among the Bok replacements for the Rugby Championship finale.
The world champions will play their last match on home soil at Ellis Park this weekend in what also marks Bok coach Jacques Nienaber’s last match at the helm in the Republic.
If Australia do South Africa a favour by beating the All Blacks in Melbourne, the battles between the Boks and Los Pumas it could be the competition decider.
The Boks will make light work of Argentina when the two sides meet in the Rugby Championship on Saturday, according to @mark_keohane and Zels. pic.twitter.com/xEbw1fQZ5o
— SA Rugby magazine (@SARugbymag) July 27, 2023
Nyakane has braced himself for a gruelling forward battle against the physical Argentineans, but is determined to grab the opportunity with both hands as the announcement of the Rugby World Cup squad draws nearer on 8 August.
PLUS: Nienaber ready for ’emotional’ farewell
Speaking in a Bok conference on Wednesday, the 34-year-old told reporters: “It’s been a while since I’ve worn the jersey, so I’m very excited.
“It’s going to be a tough challenge and given the competition in this environment, we know as individuals we have to bring our best all the time and use the opportunity.
“It’s going to be a tough game. Argentina are physical in the scrums, mauls and lineouts, so we have to man up. But I’m excited to go out there and express myself.”
On the threat the Pumas pack posed, the 59-cap Nyakane added: “It’s always a big challenge against Argentina. They’ve come a long way from being a team that just wants to be physical. They are big on their lineouts and scrums, and if one is not alert, they can put you under pressure.
“No matter how much one dominates, they never go away. They are very forward orientated, and they like to go to dark places where other teams don’t necessarily go.”
A formidable loose trio and an inexperienced half-back pairing, @mark_keohane and Zels unpack the Springbok team selection🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/Mw3J6n57Mt
— SA Rugby magazine (@SARugbymag) July 25, 2023
Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix