When the Springboks run onto Ellis Park against England on Saturday, Retshegofaditswe “Ox” Nché will carry far more than the responsibility of anchoring South Africa’s scrum.
The 31-year-old loosehead has become the embodiment of how Springbok rugby has evolved since South Africa won the 1995 Rugby World Cup, the same year he was born.
Thirty-one years ago, Ellis Park belonged to Os du Randt.
The legendary loosehead laid the foundation for South Africa’s historic triumph over the All Blacks, using brute strength, surprising mobility and relentless work rate to redefine what a prop could offer.
Three decades later, another Free State product returns to the same stage carrying a similar reputation.
Like Du Randt before him, Nché has transformed perceptions of front-row play. His destructive scrummaging remains his greatest weapon, though his influence extends far beyond the set-piece. Ball carries, defensive work, breakdown contributions and leadership have become essential parts of the modern prop’s job description.
It is no coincidence that Nché became the first prop nominated for World Rugby Player of the Year. His devastating impact off the bench against England in the 2023 Rugby World Cup semi-final remains one of the defining scrummaging performances of the professional era.
For Nché, the blueprint was always Du Randt.
“Before Os, there were these traditional props who only scrummed and walked around the field.
“When I was a kid, I recall Os getting the ball from a kick-off and running through almost the entire team.
“Os added work rate to set-piece. He showed how much influence props can have instead of only doing the basics.
“That is why we look up to him. He was a big guy, but very mobile. He got around the park and brought a different skill set.”
Nché was only 12 when Du Randt lifted his second World Cup in 2007, although the veteran’s influence had already reshaped the position.
Today, South Africa continues to produce props capable of dominating scrums while thriving in open play. The Springbok front row has become a production line rather than a succession plan, with Nché now helping develop the next generation.
He singled out 22-year-old Zachary Porthen for praise after the young tighthead earned a place on the bench against England.
“He has improved quite a lot. He always asks questions on how he can improve. If we have a scrum session, the following day he starts applying it. It’s amazing to watch.”
Nché knows England will present another examination of South Africa’s biggest strength.
“I’ve stayed off the cake, and it has mostly been steak,” he joked, remaining faithful to his famous belief that salads do not win scrums.
The humour quickly gave way to respect.
“They’ve got a lot of youngsters who have already played plenty of rugby for England. They’ll definitely front up physically.
“They’ve got a lot of energy, exciting wings and plenty of variation in their game. They’re a pretty sharp side.
“They’re very consistent at scrum time. They get low, they hit hard. It’s going to be a real challenge and I’m looking forward to the battle.”
Saturday’s Test offers more than another heavyweight collision between two proud rugby nations.
It is another reminder of how far South African rugby has travelled since 1995.
Du Randt helped build the platform. Nché has elevated it.
From Os to Ox, the Springbok scrum remains one of rugby’s greatest inheritances, continually evolving while never losing its identity.
