Lots at stake for Province’s Bok duo

Rudolph Jacobs

For Western Province’s two Springboks – prop Wilco Louw and wing Dillyn Leyds – there will be much more at stake today in Durban than just a place in the Currie Cup play-offs.

The duo featured for the Boks in last weekend’s thrilling display against the All Blacks and with the tour of Europe around the corner, they will want to cement their places.

Louw was impressive after replacing Ruan Dreyer last weekend, but today he is up against the man mountain Thomas du Toit.

Du Toit was called up to the Bok squad last weekend without gaining final selection, but it was a definite sign that he is in the running.

With Coenie Oosthuizen still on the mend and Trevor Nyakane used sparingly, Louw is viewed as one of the strongest tightheads around and will be out to build on his growing reputation.

Leyds continued to impress after replacing the struggling Raymond Rhule in the national side, but today he is up on the left wing – whereas he played on the right for the Boks – opposing Sharks veteran Odwa Ndungane.

Although not facing him directly, he is in competition with the rising star in the form of Sharks speedy leftwing S’bu Nkosi, himself a non-playing member of the Bok squad over the last month.

Province coach John Dobson, while over the moon with the return of his two Bok stars, won’t be looking for personal battles but rather a team effort against the impressive Sharks.

“We know we need to raise our game as a team this weekend,” said Dobson.

Odwa Ndungane’s greatest achievement is perhaps that no one has really complained about his age.

South African rugby is all too prone to frowning on a players’ date of birth.

In some cases, experienced players have been long in the tooth and it affected their legacies. But not Ndungane.

The 36-year-old Sharks stalwart earlier this week announced his retirement at the conclusion of the Currie Cup campaign. The reaction to his decision has been fitting.

People have praised Ndungane for never letting his standards slip and keeping as fit as if he were 25. They are overjoyed he’s able to wave goodbye on his own terms.

There haven’t been any complaints over him prolonging his first-class career to an impressive 17 years – and that as a wing or fullback.

Ndungane should really be celebrated as one of the greatest professionals South African rugby has ever delivered.

Typically, Ndungane doesn’t offer any unique insight into how he’s managed to play this long.

“I don’t think there is any secret, but perhaps most importantly is the fact that I’ve never lost my love of rugby. What has made it so enjoyable is the people around me,” he said.

“I could so easily have lost my passion and interest, but the teammates, coaches, management at the stadium, the fans, everyone has made it all so enjoyable.

‘‘A lot of hard work has gone in to ensure I stayed on top of my game. I have been blessed to have played for so long and to not have any serious injuries.”

Ndungane was unlucky that he played in an era where Bryan Habana and JP Pietersen formed a fearsome and skilful partnership on the wings for the Springboks, but he did at least get international recognition.

“I would have loved to get more, but nonetheless I’m still grateful for the opportunities I did get,” he said.

“Many people have played professional rugby and never got the chance to play for their country, so it’s still a wonderful honour for me to have played for the Springboks.”

His one last wish also epitomises his character: that the exciting youngsters stay at the Sharks.

The 21-year-old S’bu Nkosi, who’s already been called up to the national squad, has admitted that the Sharks veteran is one of his idols.

But he’s been far more than that to far more people.