Ben Youngs and Dan Cole recently took to the ‘For The Love Of Rugby’ podcast to commend Nché’s comprehensive skill set. Youngs was particularly vocal, praising the Springbok prop's versatility and impact that extend beyond typical forward duties.
"One guy we’ve got to mention again when we talk about World Player of the Year – obviously we’re on a campaign for Ox,” Youngs said. “We’re on a campaign for a prop to win Player of the Year and Ox, once again, was just doing things: carrying, scrummaging, mauling, tackling, counter-rucking, hitting rucks, carrying - I’ve probably already said carrying. I think he did another pass at nine again; I’m pretty sure he did a lovely little pass again. No nine, no problems – Ox has got you."
2025 marked a significant year for Nché, being his first nomination for the prestigious Player of the Year award, standing alongside teammates Pieter-Steph du Toit and Malcolm Marx, the latter taking the title. This nomination placed Nché in the history books as the first prop to be shortlisted since the award’s inception in 2001.
Cole also weighed in on how Nché’s performance is a crucial component of the Springboks' strategy, particularly in their recent victory over New Zealand in Baltimore. He attributed much of the team's success to their ability to maintain momentum and physical dominance, which Nché exemplifies.
"The tempo they play with – you’ve got Ox, you’ve got your loosehead moving the ball. They’re not stagnant and waiting for a nine," Cole detailed, stressing the importance of dynamics in modern rugby. "New Zealand couldn’t really touch the Boks at the breakdown, which meant that when the ball’s on a plate it was just moved away, and there were lots of breaks around the fringes, just because the breakdown was so clean. Teams are going to have to work out how to stop South Africa – whether you jackal, or because you might not win the collisions – but teams are going to have to do a better job at the breakdown if they’ve got any chance of taking on South Africa."
Ox Nché's candidacy for World Rugby Player of the Year isn't just a testament to his individual abilities but also underscores the broader tactical sophistication that Rassie Erasmus's Boks bring to the field, often making them seem like the smartest guys in the room. As international competitions intensify, Nché’s role will undoubtedly be pivotal in defining how far the Springboks can go.
