Springboks take a punt on their own ‘Lomu’: S’bu Nkosi

If you want to know why 21-year-old S’bu Nkosi was included in the Springboks squad for the remainder of the Rugby Championship, just ask Sharks coach Robert du Preez.

Whenever he talks about the former Junior Springbok, Du Preez says the same thing: Nkosi’s work rate is exceptional.

It sounds boring but that’s what international rugby is about.

Wingers shouldn’t be picked just because they score tries.

To be really successful, a wing needs to be versatile – a player that has a nose for the tryline but also looks for work when the going gets tough.

And, as the unfortunate Raymond Rhule has shown in 2017, a Test winger needs to be able to tackle.

Nkosi is a bit shorter than Rhule at 1.82m but he weights a pretty meaty 97kg.

It’s led to him being called ‘Lomu’, in reference to legendary All Black wing Jonah Lomu.

The best part of that is he uses that stocky frame really well in defence.

In this year’s Currie Cup, Nkosi has a tackle completion rate of 89% (he’s only missed six out of 56).

It’s even better in Super Rugby, which is encouraging because it’s far harder to defend in that tournament.

Nkosi’s tackle completion was an excellent 94% (3 tackles missed out of 52).

To add a cherry on top, he’s the leading try scorer in the Currie Cup.

“S’bu has performed well this season, and his inclusion gives us an opportunity to work closely with him,” said Springboks coach Allister Coetzee.

“He’s an in-form player and are makes good decisions on the field. His inclusion and exposure to this level will continue our process of building depth in certain positions.”

It certainly helps that Nkosi is exposed to arguably the best defensive system locally as the Sharks have prided themselves on a good tackling in 2017.

Joining Nkosi as additions to the Springboks squad are flanker Francois Louw and scrumhalf Louis Schreuder.

The experienced Louw, who’s played 52 Tests, adds proven class to the loose trio and should be able to fill the void left by Jaco Kriel with ease.

However, Schreuder’s call-up is another example of South Africa’s dodgy depth at scrumhalf.

The 27-year-old Sharks stalwart had a decent season with the Kings in Super Rugby and is, almost by default, the best scrumhalf in the Currie Cup.

But, like the rest of his teammates in the No 9 jersey, he’s probably not a world beater.

Springboks squad – Forwards: Uzair Cassiem, Lood de Jager, Ruan Dreyer, Dan du Preez, Jean-Luc du Preez, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Steven Kitshoff, Siya Kolisi, Francois Louw, Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Beast Mtawarira, Franco Mostert, Trevor Nyakane, Chiliboy Ralepelle.

Backs: Andries Coetzee, Ross Cronje, Damian de Allende, Elton Jantjies, Jesse Kriel, Dillyn Leyds, Rudy Paige, Handre Pollard, Raymond Rhule, Louis Schreuder, Jan Serfontein, Courtnall Skosan, S’bu Nkosi.