Latest news with #Ntlabakanye
Daily Maverick
26-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Maverick
Watershed 2025 season looms for ageing Springbok stars as Rassie eyes the future
Answers regarding specific Springbok players and combinations will be more important than results over the next four weeks, as the marquee matches of the Rugby Championship draw close. The Springboks will win their next four matches in South Africa by comfortable margins. This prediction is based on the quality of the hosts as well as the make-up of the opposition. The Barbarians only finalised their 23-man squad on Tuesday — four days before the clash against the world champions at the Cape Town Stadium. Meanwhile, Italy have arrived in southern Africa before the two-Test series against the Boks without 10 first-choice players, and the ever-improving Georgia — who will meet the Boks in a one-off on 19 July 2025 — are 11th in the World Rugby rankings. Nevertheless, the Boks have a great deal to gain from this four-match block, with a view to the 2025 Rugby Championship and Rugby World Cup 2027. The double-header against New Zealand this September and the tour fixtures against France and Ireland in November are must-wins for a Bok team looking to retain its No 1 ranking before the Rugby World Cup 2027 draw at the end of the year. With development as well as results in mind, coach Rassie Erasmus must strike a balance between youth and experience in his matchday squads. Several youngsters and fringe players will receive more game time in the coming months, while decorated veterans that fail to meet the team's high standards may be phased out. Toughest preseason ever The 'Hunger Games' theme has been pushed by Bok players and coaches alike at press conferences staged over the past two weeks. According to Cheslin Kolbe, who has been with the national side since 2018, the recent conditioning camps have tested the players like never before. Erasmus has spoken about the group's new fitness programmes, and the fact that front-row rookies like Asenathi Ntlabakanye and Jan-Hendrik Wessels have been sent to assistant coach Daan Human's farm in Bloemfontein for a more specialised training regime. After sharing this story at a press conference in Cape Town on Tuesday, Erasmus posted a series of videos on social media. As the footage suggests, training on 'Daan's Farm' is clearly no picnic, and Ntlabakanye, who tipped the scales at 155kg last year, has shed 'between 15 and 18kg' according to Erasmus, as a result. Ultimately, Erasmus has created an environment where rookies and veterans alike are fighting for places in what is a crucial period in the World Cup cycle. The Boks should win their next four games well, but there will be consequences for individuals — particularly those among the ageing contingent — if they approach these fixtures with a complacent attitude. Balancing the scales Some critics have accused Erasmus of taking a conservative approach in the lead-up to the one-off against the Barbarians, given that only four uncapped players – Ntlabakanye, Vincent Tshituka, Marnus van der Merwe and Neethling Fouché – have been included in the matchday 23. The reality is that the playing squad includes several layers of experience, as Erasmus continues to strive for the right balance. The days of selecting an entirely young side or a team stacked exclusively with veterans are long gone. Morné van den Berg, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Wessels are only in their second season of international rugby, while an older player such as Jean Kleyn has played just seven Tests for the Boks. Lood de Jager and Jean-Luc du Preez will represent the team for the first time since 2023. Siya Kolisi, Jesse Kriel, Malcolm Marx and other seniors will be on hand to guide the starting side, while further veterans in Franco Mostert, Kwagga Smith and Cobus Reinach have been included on the bench. The latter has been a big talking point in recent seasons — and it's now accepted that the balance of South Africa's Bomb Squad is almost more important than that of the starting XV. Those who have followed the Bok selections over the past few years will know that the line-up for the Barbarians match should be a taste of things to come. Erasmus is looking for answers this season, regarding individuals as well as combinations, before the Rugby Championship and other big matches that follow. More experimentation to come Injuries have forced Erasmus' hand in the front row, with one prominent member of the old guard forced to retire. Since Steven Kitshoff made this announcement in February, two more double World Cup-winners in Frans Malherbe and Trevor Nyakane have sustained season-ending injuries. It's unclear whether they will play for the Boks again, given the nature of those injuries (back and Achilles) and the fact that both props are in their mid-thirties. Two more props — Gerhard Steenekamp and Ntuthuko Mchunu — have been ruled out of the mid-year matches, which has resulted in opportunities for the untried Ntlabakanye and Fouché. Looking ahead to the Tests in July, the likes of Thomas du Toit and Wilco Louw should play a greater role for the Bok front row. Du Toit and Louw have sat behind Kitshoff, Malherbe and others in the pecking order for several years, but 2025 could be their time. Du Toit recently won the English Premiership title with Bath, while Louw was one of the Bulls' best players in the United Rugby Championship. Over the course of the games against Italy and Georgia, Erasmus will look to give a few other rookies opportunities. Some felt that Ethan Hooker should have been included for the outing against the Barbarians, but it seems more than likely that the 22-year-old utility back will make his debut against Italy, as the Bok coaches look to gauge his ability before the more demanding matches to follow. If the Boks pick up a few more injuries, the Bulls lock-cum-blindside Cobus Wiese as well as Edinburgh prop Boan Venter could also get a run towards the end of the series. Blooding rookies Apart from blooding rookies and giving fringe players more game time, Erasmus has to bring senior players up to speed over the next four matches, before the Boks go into battle with the likes of Australia, New Zealand and Argentina — and France and Ireland at the end of the year. Current World Rugby Player of the Year Pieter-Steph du Toit hasn't played since injuring his shoulder in the Test against England last November. Jasper Wiese and Faf de Klerk are short of a gallop, while Manie Libbok will feature against the Barbarians after an injury-disrupted season with the Stormers. Damian Willemse missed the entire 2024 Test season, and should be recalled to the matchday squad once his current suspension expires. Eben Etzebeth, another leader within the squad, has battled with injuries throughout the club season, and will want to prove a point when given the opportunity against Italy. The list of established players needing game time goes on. Grant Williams will get a run later in the series once he recovers from injury, while Canan Moodie, another fringe member of the 2023 World Cup squad who is touted to spearhead the 2027 title assault, also needs to be factored into the equation. While the situation highlights South Africa's depth, Erasmus is under pressure to get his selections right over the next four weeks. Answers regarding specific players and combinations will be more important than results, as the marquee matches of the Rugby Championship draw close. DM
TimesLIVE
25-06-2025
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
New Bok prop Ntlabakanye put through wringer on scrum coach Human's farm
Soon-to-be Springbok tighthead prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye has gone the extra mile in trying to keep up with the free-running Barbarians in Saturday's clash at Cape Town Stadium. Moreover, his gut-busting actions over the past few weeks will help him fit in with the Springboks. Ntlabakanye has toiled on the farm of Springbok scrum coach Daan Human and has trimmed down from about 160kg to 141kg before Saturday's clash. Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus said the burly Lions prop's time on Human's farm has had the desired results. 'He went a few times to Daan's farm and stayed there for a week and Daan worked with him — with the blessing of the Lions coach and CEO — after the Lions fell out of the URC,' he said. 'Whenever there was a break, he drove to Bloemfontein, went to the farm and he dropped 15kg to 18kg. So let's hope he can now perform at Test-match level — that will be great.' Kamp Daandraad!! — Johan Erasmus (@RassieRugby) June 24, 2025 Human also put fellow prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels through an unconventional training regimen. Erasmus took to social media to post pictures of Ntlabakanye and Wessels being put through the wringer on Human's farm in Verkeerde Vlei, just more than 80km south of Bloemfontein. The coach referred to the exercise as 'Kamp Daandraad' in reference to the Springboks' jaw-droopingly infamous pre-2003 Rugby World Cup boot camp. Getting Ntlabakanye fighting fit is in the Boks' interest. Long-time occupier of the No 3 jersey Frans Malherbe is out injured for the remainder of the year and the Boks need to deepen their reserves in that position. At 26 Ntlabakanye is an investment in the Bok future when one considers Malherbe, Vincent Koch and Neethling Fouche are 34, 35, and 32 respectively. Wilco Louw, who has been laying serious claim to the No 3 jersey, is 30. Erasmus's attempt to get Ntlabakanye up to Bok speed, though radical, has been proactive. Reaching the desired mobility to fit into the demands of the Bok game plan would have been a box Ntlabakanye was required to tick before getting the selection nod. Jan Hendrik taste Kamp Staal Daan — Johan Erasmus (@RassieRugby) June 25, 2025 Erasmus places a high premium on his players getting off the deck and engaging in battles around the park. Despite bending defences on the charge and stunting opposition attacks with his firm embrace for the Lions, the 160kg version of Ntlabakanye would not have fitted the Bok mould. 'When we started looking at Asenathi two years ago, we tracked his 'battle' stats and they are up there with almost anyone,' Erasmus said. 'We then got him in with the help of Rudolf [Straeuli] and the Lions, and we said we've got to get this right.' The Lions' failure to reach the URC knockout rounds presented Ntlabakanye with the opportunity to accept Human's offer to improve his skills and fitness. The Lions' loss this season may turn out to be the Boks' gain. This Saturday Ntlabakanye appears ready to slip into a new role. In a recent interview with this writer, Ntlabakanye said he could have been a good actor had rugby not been his career choice, even proclaiming a deep admiration for actor Denzel Washington. You could argue Ntlabakanye's 'Training Day' has ensured 'He got game'.
The Citizen
25-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Watch: Ntlabakanye in good shape after ‘special' sessions on Bok scrum guru's farm
Monstrous Lions prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye is primed to make a big Springbok splash when he dons the green and gold for the first time in their non-Test season opener against the Barbarians in Cape Town this weekend. The Citizen reports that, at yesterday's team announcement, coach Rassie Erasmus revealed Ntlabakanye had taken part in 'special' training sessions with Bok scrum guru Daan Human in the build-up to the Test season and had gone through dramatic physical changes to prepare for the rigours of international rugby. Ntlabakanye reportedly weighed in at over 150kg while playing for the Lions, and has slimmed down slightly through his various trips to Bloemfontein, where he was put through the wringer to meet the Springboks' expectations. 'He went a few times up to Daan's farm and stayed there for a week, and Daan worked with him really well, with the Lions coach and CEO's blessing, and whenever there was a break he drove to the farm,' explained Erasmus. 'He's dropped 15 to 18kg and let's hope he can do what he does (for his franchise) at Test match level, which will be great. 'I don't want to mention names, but we've done it with three or four other players, also in the front row specifically, because that's something we struggle to get right in an alignment camp, because Daan loves to work the core.' Prop crisis opens the door The Boks are experiencing a bit of a prop crisis at the moment, with multiple front rankers currently out injured, including veteran double Rugby World Cup winner Frans Malherbe, whose career could be on the line due to his recent struggles. That has opened the door for Ntlabakanye's inclusion in the squad, while Wilco Louw's involvement for the Bulls in the URC final meant he was not considered for this weekend, allowing the Lions forward to start. Uncapped Stormers prop Neethling Fouche will back him up off the bench. 'Franna (Malherbe) is unfortunately out for a pretty long time, until we get clarity there, and all of a sudden your first-choice No 3 is unavailable,' said Erasmus. 'We always expected that we would lose guys eventually, and we have always had Asenathi on the radar. We just could never get him into the squad and work with him on the things that we wanted to work on.' Jan Hendrik taste Kamp Staal Daan — Johan Erasmus (@RassieRugby) June 25, 2025 Erasmus added: 'Obviously he's a good player, and has got the talent. But at the moment he understands that there's a helluva lot to work on to be a part of the Boks at this stage and [take over] from the world's best [tighthead]. 'But when a guy like [Lions CEO] Rudolf [Straeuli] comes to you and says you can work with him, and Daan says 'come to Bloemfontein' and he goes there… 'From getting on a bicycle, to carrying stuff, doing gym and scrum sessions. It's been going on for three-and-a-half weeks, and even prior to that he's visited. These two weeks [in camp] were great, but those previous three weeks will benefit him even more.'
The South African
25-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
WATCH: Springbok prop's transformation at 'Kamp Daandraad'
One of the coolest stories to come out of the Springbok camp for quite some time is the anecdote shared by Rassie Erasmus around how tighthead prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye got himself into the best shape of his career. Once weighing in at roughly 150kg, Ntlabakanye has undergone some serious conditioning work to shed a few excess kilos (around 15kg) to now be in the best possible shape for his Springbok debut. Earlier this week, Erasmus revealed that the 26-year-old has been driving out from Johannesburg to scrum guru Daan Human's farm in Bloemfontein – about a four-hour drive – to work on his game and conditioning. Dubbing it 'Kamp Daandraad', the Springbok coach has also shared videos showing him hard at work on the farm. In another post, Erasmus also shared clips of youngster Jan-Hendrik Wessels also going through a similar training regime. Erasmus said Ntlabakanye's commitment has yielded dramatic physical changes, and emphasised how Human's specialised approach extends beyond traditional alignment camps. 'He's dropped 15 to 18kgs and let's hope he can do what he does at Test match level, which will be great,' Erasmus said. 'Don't want to mention names but we've done it with three or four other players, also in the front row specifically because that's something we struggle to get right in an alignment camp because Daan loves to work the core. 'In Asenathi we've got someone who we see has got an unbelievable touch and feel for the game, just like Neethling [Fouche]; Ox has got an unbelievable feel for the game. 'Obviously he's a phenomenal player, has got the talent, it's the moment he understands that there's a helluva lot to work on to be a part of the Boks at this stage and [take over] from the world's No 1 [tighthead],' Erasmus added. 'When Daan says 'come to Bloemfontein' [it helps] and from getting on a bicycle, carrying stuff there, gym sessions and scrum sessions… It's been going on for three-and-a-half weeks, and even prior to that. 'These two weeks [in camp] were great, but those previous three weeks will benefit him even more.' WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THIS SPECIAL STORY? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
25-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Ntlabakanye sheds 18kg at Bok coach's farm to earn Springbok start
Asenathi Ntlabakanye's Springbok debut this weekend is more than a career milestone — it's the result of a two-year transformation that saw the Lions tighthead prop shed almost 20 kilograms and commit to intensive training under scrum coach Daan Human. ADVERTISEMENT Once weighing 158kg, the 26-year-old now starts in the front row for South Africa's first match of the season, rewarded for his relentless work ethic and raw potential. When Ntlabakanye jogs out at Cape Town Stadium to start for the Springboks against the Barbarians, it won't just be the beginning of a new Test season — it'll mark the culmination of a personal transformation two years in the making. Once tipping the scales at 158kg, the Lions tighthead prop now weighs in at a leaner, more mobile 140kg. Still a formidable presence in the front row, Ntlabakanye has earned his Springbok call-up not just through size or scrumming power, but by reshaping his body and mindset to meet international standards. A JOURNEY FORGED IN COMMITMENT Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus revealed the extent of the 26-year-old's dedication ahead of his first appearance in Green and Gold. ADVERTISEMENT 'We started looking at Ntlabakanye two years ago,' Erasmus said. 'We started tracking his battle rates, and it's up there with the other guys.' Recognising the raw potential, Erasmus, along with scrum coach Daan Human, put a plan into motion. With the blessing of the Lions' coaching staff, Ntlabakanye began travelling from Johannesburg to Human's farm near Bloemfontein — a four-hour drive each way — to work on his conditioning, technique, and understanding of the Springbok system. 'Whenever there was a break, he drove to Bloemfontein, went to the farm and dropped 15 to 18 kilograms,' Erasmus said. 'He stayed there for a week at a time and Daan worked with him – with the support of the Lions and their CEO. That level of commitment deserves reward.' NTLABAKANYE PROVES RUGBY IS A GAME FOR ALL SHAPES AND SIZES Erasmus used the opportunity to challenge long-held perceptions about body types in elite rugby. 'There were always comments that players like Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse were too light,' he said. 'But what part of the game don't they man up in? They tackle, they win aerial contests, they beat defenders.' The same principle, Erasmus said, applies to larger players like Ntlabakanye — often judged unfairly by their physique rather than performance. 'Frans Malherbe is not a front-page model, but hell, he can play,' Erasmus quipped. 'He does his job in the front row. Asenathi has an unbelievable touch and feel for the game, just like Neethling Fouché and Ox Nche. We're not just talking about scrummaging.' MORE THAN JUST A PROP Ntlabakanye's rise is not simply a feel-good story of physical change, but a testament to a player willing to put in the work away from the spotlight. His time spent on Human's farm was as much about mental toughness as it was about weight loss and technical refinement. For Erasmus, it's clear: the Springboks aren't just looking for athletes — they're looking for players who buy into the bigger picture. 'Let's hope he can now perform at Test match level,' Erasmus said. 'That will be great.' Regardless of how the match unfolds, Ntlabakanye's inclusion represents the kind of hard-earned opportunity that defines the Springbok culture — one rooted in resilience, honesty, and the will to get better. HOW DO YOU THINK WILL NTLABAKANYE PERFORM IN HIS FIRST SPRINGBOK MATCH? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
