Vincent eager to take advantage
CALL-UP: PROP HONOURED, BUT DIDN’T EXPECT TO BE BACK
Koch joins raft of frontrowers battling for spots in next year’s World Cup squad.
He did not exactly cover himself in glory in his last appearance in the Springbok jersey, but prop Vincent Koch is eager to get a second bite at the apple.
Koch played the last of his 10 Tests to date in 2016 when the Boks went down in a humiliating 20-18 defeat to lowly Italy.
“It’s a great honour to be back and I didn’t really expect it,” he said ahead of Saturday’s Rugby Championship clash against Australia. “The guys and the coach welcomed me back with open arms. It’s been amazing. There’s a lot to learn, but all the support I have been getting [is humbling].”
While he might not feature in coach Rassie Erasmus’ plans this weekend, Koch was excited about getting his foot in the door and being part of the Bok management team’s World Cup plans.
Players like Frans Malherbe, Wilco Louw, Thomas du Toit, Trevor Nyakane and Coenie Oosthuizen are also pushing for World Cup spots.
“I think the group we have now are all world-class players and tightheads and it’s a good problem to have. I think any coach would love to have that problem,” Koch said. “It’s definitely a challenge but we are all mates and we push each other because the competition is so tight, but it brings out the best in all of us.”
Koch believed his game had matured at English club Saracens and felt he had become a better player, mentally and physically.
“I was taught how to work harder off the ball, and that improved my game in general,” he said. “When I signed, that 30-cap rule wasn’t in place yet. It came in shortly after.”
The rule states that overseas-based Springboks must have 30 or more Test caps to be called back unless it is a World Cup year.
“You want to play for the Boks, and I thought that dream disappeared, so I was quite emotional at the time, but life goes on so I just settled in there.
“Luckily when Rassie came in, everything changed, and I’m just grateful I’ve been given the opportunity once again.”