South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus has revealed how Asenathi Ntlabakanye lost 18 kilograms in weight for his first Springbok call-up.
The Emirates Lions tight-head has been named in Erasmus’ starting XV that will take on the Barbarians in an uncapped match in Cape Town on Saturday, for the Springboks’ opening match of the international season.
According to Erasmus, the 26-year-old has been on the radar for two years. With the help of Lions coaches such as head coach Ivan van Rooyen and South African assistant coach Daan Human, Ntlabakanye has been guided to his first start in the green and gold jersey.
“In Asenathi, we have somebody who we see has an unbelievable touch and feel for the game, just like Neethling Fouche and Ox Nche,” said Erasmus after naming his match day 23 to face the Baa-Baas.
“So when we started looking at Ntlabakanye two years ago, we started tracking his battle rates, and it’s up there with the other guys.
“He went a few times to Daan’s (Daan Human) farm and (he) stayed there for a week and Daan worked with him.
“Whenever there was a break, he drove to Bloemfontein, went to the farm and he dropped 15 to 18 kilograms.
“So let’s hope he can now perform at Test match level, that will be great.”
