Scarra has ‘learnt a lot’ since he’s been outside rugby bubble

SCARRA NTUBENI has had his fair share of injuries during his career, but last year’s Achilles’ injury was undoubtedly the scariest.

The Western Province hooker admitted yesterday that he wondered “if I was ever going to play again”.

Fortunately for Ntubeni and the WP faithful, the likeable No 2 is back in the blue-and-white striped jumper and playing to his potential. He even celebrated his 50th cap last Saturday in the 45-34 victory over the Bulls at Newlands.

“It was very tough (the injury), especially in the beginning. Not knowing how long it was going to take or if I was ever going to play again. But the union was very good to me. The medical staff was tremendous. I just had to do my part. Work hard, set myself new goals.

“I think it was quite good to get some time again. Nice to be part of the team environment again where the players and coaches back you. It was just great to be on the field again,” Ntubeni said at the WP High Performance Centre in Bellville.

For a player whose entire life was rugby, rugby and more rugby for the best part of a decade, Ntubeni believes the enforced break allowed him to appreciate aspects of his life outside of the game.

“I have a lot off-field support. I kept myself very busy, charities, and things like that. I think that very important to have that outside of rugby, because it taught me a lot.

“Sometimes you get caught in this rugby bubble, it was good in a way to be outside of it. I learnt a lot.”

This fresh mindset has certainly had a positive influence on Ntubeni’s game too. For all his energy and skill in the loose, the primary facets of Ntubeni’s game have always needed some polishing.

But on Saturday, Ntubeni was right on the mark with his lineout throwing, finding captain Chris van Zyl and JD Schickerling with regularity.

“We kept it quite simple. We didn’t bring in too many options. That was the key to get the confidence back. It’s a young team but to have guys like Chris and JC does calm the nerves a bit. We just wanted to do the basics and keep things very simple,” Ntubeni explained.

Ntubeni’s comeback will continue this Friday at Newlands when the Lions travel south armed with lineout guru Victor Matfield within their ranks. The Springbok legend recently joined the Ellis Park side and will no doubt have a few special plans for Province this week.

“He (Matfield) has over 250 first-class games, including 127 Test matches, so obviously he knows what he’s doing. That will definitely be a factor. We’ll try and do our homework. We also have good coaches.

“We won’t focus a lot on them. We just want to execute our side. To be consistent. It will be a big challenge. (Ryan Kankowski) Kanko also comes with a lot of experience. He’s back in the mix. It’s going to be exciting.”

Meanwhile, Bjorn Basson’s injury is not as serious as initially suspected and the wing could still play another significant role in Province’s Currie Cup campaign.

Basson has not broken his collar bone as it was initially feared, with WP attack coach Dawie Snyman stating yesterday it was just a “hard hold knock against the shoulder joint”.