Nortjé is tipped to wear the number five jersey on Sunday when the back-to-back World Champions tackle Scotland in Edinburgh in their opening Test of the End-of-Year tour.

The 26-year-old wasn’t in the Springboks mix earlier in the year, but he got his opportunity due to injuries to players as an RG Snyman, and he has grabbed it with both hands.

South Africa is blessed to have a rich pool of second-rowers and it was one of the hardest positions for a player to break into in the national setup. The locks for the End-of-Year tour are Nortjé, as well as Snyman, Eben Etzebeth, and Franco Mostert, while they still have the likes of Jean Kleyn and Salmaan Moerat who are not on tour.

Nortjé said it’s important to give maximum effort in every Test.

“I always knew it’s a tough position to be at, but that’s an awesome challenge and it’s obviously something I’ve been dreaming of since I was a boy and in my wildest dreams I wouldn’t have thought I would be where I am today,” said Nortjé.

Ruan Nortjé. Photo: Morgan Piek

“But that just shows you the hard work can pay off. I’m just privileged to be where I am just blessed to have opportunities to be in this position.

“It’s all about every opportunity I have to wear the Springbok jersey. I have to wear it as if it’s my last time because there are so many quality players. Anytime can be your last time. So I think for me it’s just embracing each opportunity I have and it’s just all about representing my country and enjoying representing South Africa.”

Rassie Erasmus will name his team on Thursday afternoon, and Sunday’s Test at Murrayfield kicks off at 18:10.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh