Nyakane at home at No.1
Nyakane is an important cog in the Boks' front row resources as he can play on both sides of the scrum. He was used in a number of matches at tighthead for the Bulls in Super Rugby, while the Bok management used him as a tighthead and loosehead in The Rugby Championship.
"I would say that I am versatile, but obviously you want to specialise and concentrate on something that you know you are good at," said Nyakane
"No.1 is my thing, but if I am asked to play on the tighthead side I have no problem with it."
With loosehead being his preferred position Nyakane said he struggled at first at tighthead for the Bulls, but is now confident in his abilities in that position.
"It was a bit of a game changer for me at the time when I had to move over and it was a little bit difficult, but as time went by I adapted and started to do it very well.
"I feel like it is a nice thing to be able to do for your team, so the shift was there but for me it was just about being able to be on the field and adapting as soon as possible.
"I wouldn't mind playing on either side of the scrum as long as I work hard on it and it goes well," he added.
Despite being able to play on both sides, Nyakane was at the centre of the scrum controversy in game against the All Blacks in July. The Springboks dominated the scrums and when All Black lock Sam Whitelock was given a yellow card in the 60th minute it looked like they would be in full control.
However, after tighthead Vincent Koch got injured Nyakane was brought on and bizarrely the decision was to go to uncontested scrums by referee Jérôme Garcès, despite Nyakane having played in that position before.
That dismal Rugby Championship campaign is a thing of the past and with their opening game against Japan just a few days away, Nyakane is just happy he is part of his country's World Cup campaign.
"It has been a dream, I have been working hard for it. One wants to play in a World Cup because this is the biggest stage of them all when it comes to rugby.
"I am very excited and can't wait to get the opportunity to run on the field and play," he said.
