Ntuthuko Mchunu eager to build on stellar URC season with the Springboks

The loosehead has been named on the bench for the Boks in Round 2 of the Nations Championship at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

He will likely pack down among fellow replacements Jan Hendrik Wessels and Zach Porthen in the second stanza as the World Champions look to do damage at the back end of the match.

Mchunu's call-up comes off the back end of a superlative debut season with the Stormers. The move from the Sharks seems to have ignited a fire inside the Maritzburg College graduate, as his 67 carries beat 17 defenders for 182 metres in the URC.

His form was rewarded with a run out against the Barbarians in Gqeberha last month. But now Mnchunu is in line for his first official cap since facing Portugal in 2024. With a plethora of powerful props competing for limited spots in the Bok setup, Mchunu is counting his blessings.

"First and foremost, it is a privilege to be back in the Springbok mix, and being able to build on the confidence I established from the URC season," the 27-year-old told the press this week.

"The coaches here do well in making sure that whatever standard you had at your franchise level, you keep it and build on it. You have to add value and contribute to the plans for the Springbok team.

"We've been together now for a good five weeks, and depending on the week, your role changes.

"It's not that your mindset suddenly shifts on a Monday just because the other guys played well the week before. We've been training really hard regardless.

"When it's your turn, the standard stays the same, if not higher. Nothing really changes, but your role shifts from maybe supporting the guy playing that week and this week it's your turn to lift it or keep the same standard."