VIDEO: Props with pace
South African props are known for their scrumming power and brute power.
However, at least one World Cup-winning Bok prop featured in the 100-metre final at school.
In the latest episode of the Boks Office, the subject of ‘athletic’ prowess came up and it turned quickly to the front row forwards – with surprising information being revealed.
Boks Office host Hanyani Shimange admitted he was never a ‘sprinter’.
However, Springbok legend Jean de Villiers was a 100-metre runner at school, while fellow Bok megastar Schalk Burger partook in very little athletics – although the 3,000-metre race featured in the occasions when he did take to the track.
“Schalk sprinted for the full 80 minutes,” De Villiers quipped, suggesting his former teammate was so slow any movement was at full pace.
Shimange pointed out that 2007 World Cup-winning prop CJ van der Linde partook in the Final of a 100-metre dash at school, Grey College in Bloemfontein.
“Now I don’t feel so bad,” Burger said, adding: “I intercepted at touchies once and he ran me in from behind.
“I thought to myself, our tighthead caught me.”
They then indulged in a debate about who could be the fastest South African prop.
Apart from Van der Linde, the names of Gürthro Steenkamp (another 2007 World Cup winner), Ox Nche (current World Cup champion), Steven Kitshoff (a member of the double, 2019 & 2023 World Cup club), Ntuthukho Mchunu and Jan-Hendrik Wessels.
Wessels, a utility forward that has featured as a prop and hooker for his country, was favoured to win the Bok dash.
Shimange said the ‘best dancing prop’ is Trevor Nyakane – referring to his dancing performance after the Sharks’ Currie Cup Final win over the Lions last Saturday.
* Watch the pacy prop debate below, or visit RugbyPass TV for more and get the whole episode by CLICKING HERE!
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* Picture credit: Johan Orton Media
