Prop Gerhard Steenekamp is relishing the chance to hone his craft as a part of a formidable Springbok entrance row throughout his first end-of-year tour with the world champions.
The ten-Check Steenekamp has featured prominently for the Boks in 2024, after making his debut within the inexperienced and gold jumper towards Argentina in Buenos Aires final 12 months.
Final week’s victory for South Africa at Twickenham was particular for Steenekamp, who was once more a key member of the Bomb Squad pack that stood as much as the England scrum throughout a convincing Bok victory.
Talking in a Bok convention in Cardiff on Monday, the Vodacom Bulls powerhouse acknowledged his speedy development on the Check stage throughout a maiden northern hemisphere journey.
On his first end-of-year tour to the UK, and what he has realized from the expertise, Steenekamp informed reporters: “It’s my first time being included within the end-of-year tour, and it’s been superior. Every single day, you simply carry on studying and coaching with the most effective guys on the earth.
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“For me, it nonetheless looks like a dream however I’m attempting to soak up as a lot as I can and attempt to enhance every single day and put stress on the man forward of me.”
Steenkamp, who transitioned from the again row to loosehead prop after highschool, is now an everyday within the Bok squad.
With Ox Nche the incumbent within the No 1 jersey whereas two-time World Cup winner Steven Kitshoff is sidelined with a severe neck damage, there’s a possibility for Steenekamp to stake his declare.
There’s a shift in mindset that’s required when becoming a member of the nationwide staff set-up, however the 27-year-old has embraced being part of the Bok atmosphere.
“The usual of each participant within the squad is massively excessive, so the largest factor for me is making certain that I sustain … the chain is barely as robust as its weakest hyperlink, so simply attempt to be sure to’re not the weakest hyperlink,” Steenekamp stated.
“Attempting to get to [the same level] of the place these gamers are and make sure you give one thing again to the staff.”
Nche wanted stitches to a reduce to his knee after the Twickenham conflict, so Steenekamp might make a uncommon begin within the Boks’ season finale towards Wales at Principality Stadium on Saturday.
Steenekamp copped a yellow card final week, following a number of staff infringements, and added: “It’s by no means good to let the staff down however for me, it’s simply to study from the expertise and ensure I’m higher subsequent week.”
Photograph: Steve Haag Sports activities/Gallo Pictures
