VIDEO: Springbok lock duo loom large for Itoje's replacement
SPOTLIGHT: England lock Alex Coles says he’s relishing the opportunity to go up against the Springbok second-row pairing of Eben Etzebeth and Ruan Nortjé in the Nations Championship opener at Ellis Park on Saturday.
Coles, who is in line to feature for the visitors in the absence of regular captain Maro Itoje, will have big boots to fill in the England second row.
The Northampton Saints forward made his international debut in 2022 against Argentina and has since found it difficult to secure a consistent place in the squad.
Having racked up only 19 Test caps, Coles will view the new competition and Itoje’s absence as an opportunity to put his hand up, make a lasting impression, and stake his claim for a regular starting role under Borthwick.
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His first assignment, though, will be against the Bok bruisers, Etzebeth and Nortjé.
Etzebeth will head into the game fresh and well-rested after sitting out the Barbarians clash in Gqeberha a fortnight ago.
Nortjé, meanwhile, was in action for the Bulls in the URC Final and has had an extra week to recover and prepare with the Boks.
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Rugby365 asked Coles about what he expects from the Bok duo.
“They are quality, and as someone who likes to watch and study other locks, I think they are two of the world’s best,” he revealed.
“That’s something that excites me, a chance to go up against those guys.
“I played against Eben four years ago, but I think Ruan has also been unbelievable in the last few years, and I’ve tried to pick up a few bits from him.
“When you are a top sportsman, you want to play against the best, and I find that very exciting.”
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While the absence of Itoje will be a significant blow when they take on the Boks on Saturday, Coles believes it’s opened an opportunity for younger players in the squad to make their mark.
Itoje is being rested for the Nations Championship after a heavy load over the past 12 months, including touring Australia with the British and Irish Lions and the loss of his mother in November.
“Maro is an absolutely fantastic player,” Coles added.
“He’s one of the world’s best locks, and I’ve been sort of privileged to play alongside him and work with him.
“In some respect, there’s the absence of a senior pro, an experienced player, our captain – it’s always going to be a factor.
“But I think it leaves an opportunity for other people to step up and to develop themselves.
“We saw in Argentina last summer when we had so many players on the Lions tour, loads of people took their opportunities, stepped up and developed their own game.
“I’m hoping Maro is resting up really well. He is such an important player for us, and we need him firing for the next few years.
“In the meantime, it’s a great chance for other people to develop and step up in those leadership roles.”
The 26-year-old was also part of the Northampton side that won the Premiership title a fortnight ago.
While he and several of his Saints teammates are buzzing from the triumph, Coles said they’ve quickly put it behind them and are solely focused on performing for England.
“It’s always great to have people that have won stuff and have that confidence.
“But international rugby is a completely different challenge, and the club stuff gets put aside straight away.
“It’s much more important when we come together as a group, and play the England way, and we have a clear identity here.
“We’ve been massively focused as a Saints group on getting straight into the England identity, and hopefully we can all bring our individual bits to benefit the team.”
England will announce their team to face the Springboks on Thursday.
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