One of the more popular sights in rugby is a big fellow in the pack running with the ball like a back, something that Lions prop SJ Kotze often does.
The young buck has been dubbed “the flyhalf trapped in a prop’s body” because of silky passing skills that have put teammates away for tries or, as was the case when the Lions beat Ulster earlier this season, bursting through the defence like a centre to score under the crossbar. Kotze, who turned 23 on January 2, is a strapping 110kg of muscle, with little puppy fat, hence his athleticism.
The young man from Paarl Boys’ High is one of a crop of brilliant youngsters who played in the 2023 Junior Springboks side. Kotze rubbed sweaty shoulders with current United Rugby Championship forwards in fellow props Mwanda Mdanda, Phatu Ganyane (both Sharks), and Zachary Porthen (Stormers and Springboks), flanker Paul de Villiers (Stormers) and lock JF van Heerden (Bulls).
Kotze has been with the Lions since those days and, a year ago, made his debut in a URC match in Wales, where he currently finds himself ahead of Friday’s match against the Ospreys.
“If I look back at a year ago, same place as I am now, I made my debut, but the player I was then, and the player I am now, is very different. I have definitely learned a lot,” Kotze smiled. “I am still learning, and that is the nice thing about this game — I am just very privileged to be in the position I am today.”
Kotze has already been learning from a Springbok prop in Asenathi Ntlabakanye, and he is looking forward to more front-row acumen coming his way from another Bok prop in Boan Venter, who will be finishing up with Edinburgh at the end of this season and has signed for the Lions.
“I am in a very privileged position to have the opportunity to learn from someone like Boan. I see it as a positive to grow with him, while also acknowledging that there will be healthy competition. To work and learn from him can only benefit me.
“My goal is definitely the Green and Gold one day, and I need to learn as much as I can. I don’t want to put unnecessary pressure on myself too soon, so it’s just to give the best version of myself week in and week out.”
Right now, that means contributing to a strong Lions performance against the Welsh team. The Lions are well placed on the URC standings at seventh and want to consolidate their top-eight position.
“Coming from Joburg, the weather has been quite a big difference. It’s definitely a lot colder,” said Kotze. “The 4G pitches are also a bit quicker, and that’s the main thing to adapt to. It’s rainy and cold, but we’re enjoying it,” he added. “The vibe is good in the group, and training has been going well.”
As is always the case in the Northern Hemisphere, the set-piece is a huge focus.
“If you look at last week’s game (against Perpignan), you can see how important it is to be accurate,” Kotze said. “We had a set-piece driven mindset. The kicking game and the set-piece are all in the moment.”
