Beast Mtawarira is without doubt one of the most well-known former Springboks, having featured in 117 Checks throughout an illustrious career that spanned over a decade.
As a loyal and long-serving Sharks participant, Mtawarira additionally took gifted prop Ntuthuko Mchunu below his wing, having spoken extensively in regards to the potential of the teen.
Mchunu is now set to earn his third Check cap for the Springboks in opposition to Portugal this Saturday, and regardless of the pure comparisons to Mtawarira, he’s eager to start blazing his personal path.
“It’s been stated loads however I believe Beast in his personal proper has set a path in South Africa for anybody who performs in the same place and has set the bar actually excessive together with his accolades,” he stated.
“So if I’m midway there it is going to be actually good however I need to be my very own participant. I take pleasure in operating with the ball, I really like scrumming and defending.
“So I need to be a participant in my very own manner. Clearly, I’m honoured to be nearly put along with the likeness of somebody who has carried out so effectively for the nation.
“It’s good however it doesn’t actually do something. I need to be Ntuthuko greater than something.”
Massive alternative for Springbok ahead
Mchunu, who made his Check debut in Bloemfontein in opposition to Wales in 2022, stated he was very was enthusiastic about being again within the group.
“It’s good to be again in Bloemfontein and within the squad, and if I get a chance to play this weekend it is going to be honour I plan to profit from,” stated Mchunu.
“There’s been plenty of development within the crew in the previous couple of months, and most of the gamers at the moment are extra mature, so it’s going to be an enormous take a look at for the crew, simply as it’s in each different Check match.”
The Springboks will unveiled the matchday squad to face Portugal on Tuesday. The match kicks off at 17:00 on Saturday and can be broadcast reside on SuperSport.
SQUAD FOR PORTUGAL CLASH
Props: Ntuthuko Mchunu, Ox Nche, Gerhard Steenekamp, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Frans Malherbe, Vincent Koch, Trevor Nyakane, Thomas du Toit.
Hookers: Bongi Mbonambi, Malcolm Marx , Johan Grobbelaar, Andre-Hugo Venter.
Locks: Eben Etzebeth, Salmaan Moerat, RG Snyman.
Unfastened forwards: Siya Kolisi, Elrigh Louw, Marco van Staden, Phepsi Buthelezi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Ben-Jason Dixon, Evan Roos, Ruan Venter, Kwagga Smith, Jasper Wiese.
Scrumhalves: Faf de Klerk, Grant Williams, Cobus Reinach, Morne van den Berg.
Flyhalves: Handre Pollard, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Manie Libbok.
Centres: Lukhanyo Am, Andre Esterhuizen, Jesse Kriel.
Outdoors backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse, Cheslin Kolbe, Willie le Roux, Makazole Mapimpi, Aphelele Fassi, Quan Horn.