Ox Nche admits Springboks went ‘off the script’ against Wallabies as he offers candid assessment of Cape Town clash
Springboks prop Ox Nche reacts to Rugby Championship loss to Wallabies.
Springboks prop Ox Nche insists his team are still driven to win the 2025 Rugby Championship despite going down to a shock 38-22 defeat on home soil to the Wallabies.
In a stunning match, South Africa led 22-0 after just 20 minutes at Ellis Park before Australia fought their way back into the contest with a remarkable 38-point onslaught.
The bonus-point success not only gives the Wallabies a perfect start to the competition but also proves they are a nation to be reckoned with under head coach Joe Schmidt.
Must-win Test
For the Springboks it is a nightmare start to the defence of their Rugby Championship crown and also sees them plummet from first to third position in the world rankings.
Speaking after the defeat, loosehead prop Nche admits the upcoming fixture in Cape Town is now “must-win” as they look for an immediate response against the Wallabies.
“We want to win the Rugby Championship,” said Nche. “Next weekend is a must-win Test (against Australia in Cape Town), and we have to get as many points as we can.”
Pinpointing where the Boks fell short after the lightning fast start in Johannesburg, Nche believes his side went “off script” in a performance that has upset players and staff.
“At half-time, the chat was simply to stick to the plan and execute things, as it was working. But we just went off the script in the second half,” the experienced prop admitted.
“They scored three easy tries early on, and it wasn’t from a good set-piece. They were just more active and ready, and they pounced ahead.
“They just seemed more prepared than we were, and they used every opportunity they got, whereas we didn’t. Everyone just started going off on their plan instead of sticking to the plan we had as a team.”
New Zealand and Australia subsequently lead the way at the tournament summit on five points with South Africa and Argentina having no points to show after Round One.
Prepare better
Nche was asked what must be done to rectify this slow start in order to bounce back against the Wallabies before facing New Zealand and Argentina twice this campaign.
“For me personally, it means more hard work, more preparation, and to be better prepared. To do whatever you did last week, and do more of it. The only thing we can do is to execute better,” he stressed.
The Springboks have arrived in Cape Town ahead of Saturday’s fixture and it has been revealed that Rassie Erasmus will name his team to face the Wallabies on Tuesday.