Ruan Nortje credits Franco Mostert as a major influence on his Springbok journey

Nortje started his first Test for the Springboks in the 30-12 win in Perth last weekend as he ran the lineouts from the second-row in tricky conditions. It was a promising shift from the Bulls skipper considering how challenging it was in a very wet Optus Stadium.

It was only his second Test cap having come off the bench for South Africa back in 2022 before falling out of favour to the seemingly endless depth the Boks have in the second-row. Injuries to several players in the position such as Mostert, Jean Kleyn and RG Snyman opened the door for his return.

Nortje, however, understands that there is value in being able to play different positions, as we have seen with the success of Pieter-Steph du Toit switching from lock to blindside flank, as Mostert has also done quite well when required.

"It's good to play different positions," Nortje was quoted by Sunday newspaper Rapport.

"That's how your game develops. I think it's exciting to do something like that."

The 25-year-old believes the style of Mostert's game is aligned with his as they are both mobile second-rows who love to empty the tank.

"I consider myself a player who brings the same kind of game as Franco," Nortje said. "He may not be the biggest lock, but he has a massive performance.

"Franco is someone I look up to. I naturally strive to play my own game and make a big contribution."

The Springboks return to South Africa where they will begin working towards their next challenge, which is an intriguing two-Test 'mini-series' against the All Blacks beginning in a fortnight.

South Africa leads the Rugby Championship with a full house of points from their trip to Australia and are in the driver's seat after the All Blacks dropped points against Argentina in Round One.

It sets up a mouth-watering next two games where the title could be decided by one of rugby's greatest rivalries.

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