Nemo puts his hand up for Bok selection
The 26-year-old loose forward went to some 'dark spaces' in Western Province's 39-3 demolition of the Golden Lions in a Currie Cup encounter at Newlands at the weekend.
His performance – especially his defensive efforts – had WP coach John Dobson singing his praises and predicting a Bok recall.
His five caps have all come on year-end tours – two in 2014 and three in 2016.
Dobson, who was full of praise for his team's defensive effort in keeping the hard-running Lions tryless, said he can see Carr getting anther year-end call-up if his current Currie Cup form is anything to go by.
The Province mentor said he was "really pleased" about the defence.
"The Lions came with a lot of intensity," Dobson said, adding that what is "nice" about a win like the weekend's demolition job is that there is so much they can still improve on.
He also spoke about the spectacular turnover tries – praising the X-factor players like Dillyn Leyds, Seabelo Senatla and Huw Jones.
While he doesn't want to go into a game making close to 200, tackles again, he still felt it is a sound base to build a winning momentum from.
"I don't want to sound negative, but we are only 70 percent to where we should be," Dobson said.
"We lost five or six line-outs. Our exits, when [we are] in our 22-metre area, are designed to go out.
"It was like a defence drill – like a warm-up drill when we kick and we defend," he said of the numerous kicks that didn't find touch.
"What you can't take away from the guys is the physicality and the work ethic on defence.
"[There is] a guy who deserves credit. He is known as an attacking loose forward and being really skilful. But Nizaam Carr put himself in some dark spaces – with turnovers and defensively.
"That is not something Nemo is renowned for, but he was exceptional in this match."
Dobson said it was that kind of performances that earned Carr Bok call-ups to the 2014 and 2016 year-end Springbok tours.
"Hopefully that is the way he goes again. That was the standard of his performance – he was really, really magnificent."
The victory may also have come at a cost.
Fullback Sarel Marais is a concern, having damaged his MCL – which could ruled him out for six weeks.
"[Sevens stars] Ruan Nel and Werner Kok are coming in," the coach said, adding: "I am also please with Dan Kriel's progress on the wing."
By Jan de Koning, at Newlands
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