Sikhumbuzo Notshe will bring a wealth of experience to the Lions when they open their URC campaign against reigning champions Leinster at Ellis Park on Saturday. The 33-year-old has had a career spanning from the Stormers to the Sharks, the Springboks, and France. Notshe played for SA Schools, the Junior Springboks, and the Blitzboks before doing his apprenticeship at the Stormers. He then spent three years with the Sharks and earned all six of his Springbok caps in 2018.
Notshe's latest chapter took him to France, where he played for Montauban and gained an appreciation for a very different style of rugby. He learnt a lot from the way that the French play — it is very set-piece-oriented and up-front rugby. Notshe even embraced the culture away from the field, learning to speak French with the help of a teacher provided by the club and a private tutor. This experience has prepared him well for the Lions' expansive approach, which suits his strengths.
The Lions' loose-forward group is packed with athletic ball-carriers, and Notshe knows that at 33, he has to work hard to keep pace with the younger players around him. The loose-forward depth at the Lions is strong, and Notshe sees the competition for places as a healthy opportunity for the loose forwards to learn from one another. He believes that working together as a group instead of working as an individual is the most important thing.
Notshe has learned from some outstanding players during his career, including Springbok greats Schalk Burger and Duane Vermeulen. He now wants to pass that knowledge on to the next generation. Notshe's sense of giving back has become an important part of his outlook as one of the more experienced players in the squad. He is still in that phase of learning and open to learning from others.
Notshe was asked whether a strong URC campaign with the Lions could put him back on Rassie Erasmus' radar. He replied that the focus is on the Lions first before he gets overwhelmed by other things. Notshe's role is to perform and contribute to the team, whether he is starting or on the bench. He believes that every rugby player has to do their job.
That experience will now be put to an early test against a formidable Leinster side on Saturday. Notshe knows that Leinster are the champions and should not be taken lightly. He believes that the team will have to do their homework against them and be prepared for a hungry Leinster side looking for a great start to the season.
The Lions will be looking to make a strong start to their URC campaign against Leinster, and Notshe's experience will be crucial in this match. With his knowledge and skills, he is ready to give back to the team and help them achieve success. The match promises to be an exciting encounter between two top teams.
Key points
- Sikhumbuzo Notshe brings a wealth of experience to the Lions for their URC opener against Leinster.
- Notshe has learned from top players and is now looking to give back to the team.
- The Lions face a tough test against reigning champions Leinster on Saturday.
