Ntubeni wants to make Bok dream a reality

The 25-year-old was not given a chance to prove himself at international level when he was called up occasionally by former Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer.   

Ntubeni also struggled with injuries in the last three years, which also stifled his progress as player.

However, after being included in Allister Coetzee's 31-man squad for the June international window, the Stormers hooker is step closer to finally playing on the international stage.

"I had that Springbok blazer over my arm for three years now, so hopefully I can get a chance now," said Ntubeni at the Springboks' training camp in Stellenbosch on Tuesday.

"You can never give up. I have come this far… I think I have worked so hard and worked so long that I can't just give up now."

Ntubeni said his struggles with injuries over the years has made him stronger and believes he is has a lot more knowledge now on how to manage his body.

"The only way you get better is when you are on the field. It has been tough in the last three years playing a few games and then getting injured – then having to work again for four or five months and then playing three games before getting injured again.

"I have learnt a lot in that three years. I've learnt how to manage my body. 

"We have great physios here and at the Stormers and they have taught me a lot on how to manage myself. That has helped a lot this year," he added.

If Ntubeni does get his chance, it will certainly be off the bench after Adriaan Strauss was named captain. 

Strauss has been in good form for the Springboks in the last few seasons and forms part of an experienced core in a squad featuring a lot of new faces.

"He [Strauss] leads from the front. He is a good rugby man and he is a very professional guy – he is always willing to help out.

"There is a lot of Test caps and a lot of experience behind him. It's nice to learn from someone who does not have a chip on his shoulder," said Ntubeni.

By Warren Fortune

@FortuneWarren

@rugby365com