Exclusive: Frans Malherbe Backs Rising Front Row Stars to Uphold Springbok Scrum Legacy

As the Springboks begin a new season under the familiar guidance of Rassie Erasmus, the spotlight turns to an area of the game that has long been the foundation of South African rugby dominance: the front row. 

With experienced campaigners sidelined or retired, questions have surfaced about the depth in arguably the most demanding position group in world rugby.

Yet, for injured veteran Frans Malherbe, the concern is far outweighed by a quiet optimism and admiration for the rising generation of front row talent.

The Next Wave

With Malherbe nursing an injury and Steven Kitshoff stepping away from the international stage, opportunities have opened for fresh faces to stake their claim. Among the names causing a stir are Lions powerhouse Asenathi Ntlabakanye and Stormers tighthead Neethling Fouché.

“I am very excited for the new players in the squad,” Malherbe said from the sidelines. 

“I’m also very sad I’m not part of the season. When you're not involved in the domestic competitions, you usually join up with the guys at Bok camp in Pretoria. I miss that.”

Malherbe acknowledged the personal uncertainty that comes with injury, describing the road back as “like starting over again,” but remained unwavering in his support for the newcomers.

“I’m especially excited for the two new tightheads, Fouché and Ntlabakanye. Both deserve a shot in the green and gold.”

Daan Human’s Farm and a 18kg Transformation

Ntlabakanye’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable. The burly prop has undergone a physical transformation, shedding 18 kilograms after spending time with Springbok scrum coach Daan Human at his farm. It’s the kind of old-school work ethic that resonates deeply with players like Malherbe.

“You can see from some of his performances, he doesn’t hide from the big tackles. His scrumming abilities are really good,” Malherbe said. 

“I actually saw clips of the work they did on Daan’s farm, it was inspiring.”

Though Malherbe admits he doesn’t know Ntlabakanye very well, their time spent at alignment camps earlier this year gave him a sense of the character the Lions forward brings.

“What I hear from his teammates is that he’s a great acquisition for the Boks, and has the personality to fit right into the squad. I’m really excited for him.”

Human Touch

Malherbe was effusive in his praise for Daan Human, who has played a critical role in developing South Africa’s front row identity in recent years.

“Daan is a special human being. I’ve got a lot of time and respect for him. He simplifies things in the scrum and it’s hard work, but it works. Outside of rugby, he’s just a great person to be around.”

No Crisis Here

With Kitshoff retired, Malherbe injured, and Gerhard Steenekamp also sidelined, there have been whispers of a potential front row crisis. Malherbe isn’t buying it.

“I don’t think there’s a lack of depth in the front row at all,” he stated firmly. 

“It’s sad about Gerhard, he was really on fire for the Bulls. But we’ve still got Ox Nche, Vincent Koch, and Thomas du Toit, who’s had a fantastic season with Bath," he told SportsBoom.co.za. 

With experience in the form of Koch and Du Toit, and youthful firepower in Ntlabakanye and Fouché, Malherbe sees a balanced, competitive group ready to carry the Springbok scrum tradition forward.

“I really don’t think we have a depth problem in the front row.”

As the Springboks continue their preparations for the Rugby Championship and beyond, the front row may look a little different but it remains built on the same principles of power, precision, and pride. 

With veterans mentoring from the sidelines and new blood pushing boundaries, South African rugby’s conveyor belt of front row talent shows no signs of slowing down.