SPRINGBOK tighthead Vincent Koch believes he still has enough fuel in the tank to make it to the next Rugby World Cup, even at the age of 34 years.
While the tournament in Australia is still three years away, the double Webb Ellis Cup winner wants to continue putting in the hard work for the Boks to stay in the mix.
It’s hard to believe that the veteran has only 56 caps behind his name, but the fact that he’s been part of both successful World Cup campaigns shows the value he adds to the side whether as part of the Bomb Squad or the run-on side. And while there is a healthy contingent of young props waiting for their chance to break through, Koch wants to continue for as long as he can.
“My body still feels good, so hopefully if my performance stays on standard according to coach Rassie (Erasmus), I will give it my all to make it to the next World Cup,” said Koch during the week in the build-up for last night’s match against Argentina at Santiago del Estero.
“I know there is still enough petrol in the tank. It is an honour to be here and we have so many good props in the setup, so they keep you on your toes. It is a goal to get there and that would be a massive honour to make it.
“I think the fact that Rassie rotates the players is good and we are in a great place when it comes to positions and players in certain positions. If you look at me, Thomas (du Toit), Frans (Malherbe) and the other tightheads, we push each other very hard. When the one guy gets an opportunity, he grabs it with both hands and it puts pressure on us who are not playing.
“Daan (Human, scrum coach) also pushes us throughout the week. We try to make things as tough as possible when we train against each other. If you look at the players we have, it’s two world-class tight-fives and packs, both are really good. It’s tough, but it prepares us for what awaits on a weekend.”
According to Koch, shedding the load keeps all the players fresh and hungry to go out and play when the opportunity is there. And at the same time, it keeps those not playing hungry to put their hand up whenever they get a chance.
The one thing that has evaded Koch for the last 50-plus Tests is a try, but he will look to get that elusive score before his time in the national setup runs out. He hit the 50-mark earlier this year in the Boks’ first match after the World Cup when they took on Wales at Twickenham.
Malherbe gave up his spot in the starting XV so that Koch could don the tighthead jersey when he celebrated the milestone.
“As a child, it was always my dream to be here (playing for the Springboks). It will be very tough one day to not be here any longer. Every chance I receive and every day I wake up in the Springbok environment is something that drives me a lot. I have been in the position where I was in the setup and it was taken away from me, so I know how massive it is for me to be here.
“Not just to play, but to contribute where I can. If something is expected from me, where I can help the team, I think that drives every player in the squad. If it gets taken away, you know how much it means.
“At the moment, what drives me is to stay in the setup for as long as possible to serve the team wherever it’s needed. If it’s on or off the field, I will give it all to stay.”