Nche cautions Springboks

IT is difficult to picture roly-poly prop Ox Nche scaling mountain peaks but he used a good climbing analogy to describe how the Springboks will go about defending their Rugby Championship title.

- MIKE GREENAWAY

The Boks have never won back-to-back Championship titles and begin their defence at Ellis Park on Saturday when they entertain the Wallabies in the first of two Tests in South Africa.

"We have the mentality of a mountain climber," Nche said. "You don’t climb a mountain by looking up; you climb it step by step. And if we don’t do well in these two Australia Tests, it is not a good start to the climb. If we do well, it will give us confidence, and the way becomes easier."

Nche, who will win his 42nd cap on Saturday, says the Boks understand that they have to improve this season because the opposition certainly has.

"All the other teams are a year older, their players more experienced. Argentina beat the British and Irish Lions. Australia also beat them, and New Zealand are always up there.

"So the challenge has become bigger. We would not compete in the Rugby Championship if we were not trying to try and win it. We will go all guns blazing to try and win it.