Big in Jozi: Cult hero Asenathi Ntlabakanye talks Springbok ambitions

Proof that rugby is still for all shapes and sizes, the burly prop has become a cult hero at the Johannesburg franchise. Weighing in around 150kg, his girth hides his talents. Ntlabakanye punches below his weight. The St Sithians college graduate has a deft step, soft hands and is sometimes found in the Lions' backline doing centre things. And if all else fails - given his size - Route 1 often yields positive results.

Such is the brutality of these one-on-one collisions is that Lions fans have dubbed Ntlabakanye the 'Jozi Bulldozer'.

"My interaction with the fans means a lot to me," the 25-year-old told the press this week.

"I have been with the Lions since high school, so you build that relationship with the fans and the people of Joburg.

"Knowing that the supporters are looking to me to deliver gives me that extra motivation to keep going when the game gets tough.

"It boosts me to hear people get excited when I tackle someone or take up the ball. I hear the fans and it drives me on."

Ntlabakanye was one of no less than eight Lions players selected to participate in the upcoming Springbok alignment camp in Cape Town. Renzo du Plessis, Francke Horn, Ruan Venter, Quan Horn, Edwill van der Merwe, Morne van den Berg and Henco van Wyk will also travel to the Mother City.

Having grown up without a father in an impoverished community outside Plettenberg Bay, Bok ambitions were just that for Ntlabakanye: pipe dreams. But now he is on the cusp.

"It is a privilege to be recognised," he continued.

"I've said it a number of times, if we as a team do well, individuals will get rewarded to go to [Springbok alignment] camps.

"I'm looking forward to it. Having been there last year as well I've learned a few things and I'm hoping to learn more to grow my game.

"My goal is obviously to play for the Springboks. So, hopefully as a team, we can do well and make sure individual players get rewarded to fly the flag high.

"Last year there were three or four players in the Springboks and it motivated a lot of us. So to have more guys in the camp is really nice for the team and hopefully we can have more in the future."

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