Frans Malherbe bitterly misses the man with whom he has propped down most, but in Ox Nché he insists the Springboks have a star in the making.
In his 76 Tests Malherbe has packed down 26 times with the again injured Steven Kitshoff who now has a shadow over his career, but he deeply admires loosehead Nché and what he has brought to the Bok cause.
“We all saw lately how powerful a scrummager Ox is,” said Malherbe gruffly. “He is playing brilliant rugby at the moment. Not only in the scrums. I’m happy for him, I hope he can continue that form for the rest of his career.
“Ox is unbelievably strong and he has good technique. Gerhard Steenekamp is impressive and I think he will play a lot of Tests for the Boks,” he said of the other loosehead currently in the Bok group. “How nice it is to say that of two teammates... In the week I have to scrum against them. Those sessions are tough.”
Malherbe however has a special bond with Kitshoff with whom he started last year’s Rugby World Cup final in Paris. Kitshoff has not played for the Boks since.
“Shame, Kitsie has another injury. I feel terrible for him especially off the back of his previous one. I think it is something with his knee. I would love him back in the mix and in the group. For now he must work on his injury to get back strong.”
Malherbe has exuded authority throughout his Bok career and many observers believe him to be the game’s pre-eminent tighthead prop. He will be 37 when the next RWC comes around but by then he will likely pass a milestone well worth celebrating — his 100th cap!
“Jissie, it would be an unbelievable honour. A big part of it is in my hands but not all. I will for as long as I can continue. I won’t stop in two years.
“We’ll see about that closer to the time,” he said about the next RWC in Australia. “It is definitely the aim. It is something you work towards. There is a lot of rugby to be played before then. I believe you have to play well now for your club and the Boks to continue. I don’t look ahead too far but I would love to remain with the Boks for as long as I can.”
If he does step away, Malherbe believes those in the queue are more than capable.
“I think there are a few young props that have already knocked on the door and were close. Guys that have played before and can return. A guy like Wilco (Louw). Neethling (Fouche) was close. And guys who are younger, but a prop has to learn and grow up in that role.”
It has been 11 years since he made his debut in Cardiff but the thrill of playing for the Boks has not worn for Malherbe. “I still get goose bumps, perhaps more than ever. That hasn’t changed.”
While Malherbe performs almost all his best work in heavy traffic and confined spaces, he is somewhat of an agoraphobic.
“I just love the outdoors. It is one of my passions. I love to break away a bit into some open spaces, some fresh air. I actually haven’t had time to do that this year, so looking forward to get my next opportunity in the bush.
“I have a few friends in the Karoo. I love it there. I go to different areas. When I’m up here I love to go to the Kruger Park as well,” said Malherbe.
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