The domestic season is heading into the final stages, and with the Stormers leading the way for the SA teams in the URC, there is little doubt that the Cape-based side will once again contribute numerous players to the Springbok Test squad.
One star who continues to shine brightly is powerful loosehead prop Ntuthuko Mchunu, who has scored four tries in his last three matches, but of course it is his strong performances at scrum time, on defence and as a ball carrier that has brought him back into the Springbok conversation.
The 27-year-old earned three Test caps in 2022, with many pundits believing he would be the perfect successor to Tendai ‘Beast’ Mtawarira.
Springbok recall on the cards?
It has taken a little longer than some expected for Mchunu to ‘mature’ into a Test quality front rower, but that time seems to have now arrived.
“He’s going to be pushing for much higher honours,” said Stormers coach John Dobson. “He’s a different individual.
“I think he’s going to be a star for South African rugby for some time to come. His general game, especially his ball-carrying, is outstanding.
“There are lots of people overseas who like him, so we’ll have to see if we can ward off that threat.”
Thriving in Cape Town
Mchunu, who joined the Stormers from the Sharks, has undoubtedly come of age in the Cape.
“One of my strengths is my ball carrying,” he said. “The more I can sharpen that and make it an edge, I’ll keep working on it. I enjoy it and want to get better every game.
“From the get-go, the coaches were hard on me. Not in a bad way, but demanding a standard. That’s been the challenge, and it hasn’t dropped.”
