Franco gives flourishing Ox props
03/21/2025 08:17 AM
Franco Smith has heaped praise on Springbok and Sharks star Ox Nche, crediting the front-row juggernaut for his humility and consistency.
Nche, who was a finalist for SA Rugby’s Player of the Year for 2024, has grown into one of the most formidable and respected props in world rugby.
The 29-year-old was pivotal in South Africa's World Cup triumph two years ago, notably dominating the English scrum in the semi-final, and has become a cornerstone of the Sharks pack.
Glasgow Warriors boss Smith, who coached Nche when the Shimlas won the 2015 Varsity Cup and later at the Cheetahs, said he has always been impressed by the affable loosehead's work ethic.
"He’s a very humble person, the way he’s handled his success and how he’s now become an icon in South Africa. It makes him an excellent example of someone who continues to perform well on the field," Smith was quoted by Netwerk24 this week.
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"He uses the privileges and opportunities he gets to influence other people's lives. I believe that has always been part of who he is as a person."
Smith, who also guided Nche to two Currie Cup titles with the Cheetahs in 2016 and 2019, always believed the powerful front-rower would go far.
"He was always willing to go the extra mile and he always made a difference. In every game he consistently made a difference," Smith said.
"He still does it and makes a difference every week. Whether it's in a scrum or two or three times in a game as a ball carrier. Whether it's a big tackle or stopping a roll-and-grind move, or whether it's reverse possession, which you don't expect."
"He’s an excellent player and showed it as a young man. It's been nice to see him flourish as he's gotten older."
Nche will be in action for the Sharks on Saturday when the Durbanites host Zebre Parma at Kings Park in round 13 of the Vodacom URC.
Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
The post Franco gives flourishing Ox props appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
