As the Vodacom URC playoffs edge closer, Stormers' powerhouse Ntuthuko Mchunu is not just in form; he's on fire. Having recently switched from the Sharks, the loosehead prop has already left a significant imprint, notching four tries in merely three appearances, including a stunning double in their recent thrashing of the Glasgow Warriors. However, Mchunu's ambitions don't just lie in try-scoring exploits. As the Stormers gear up for a critical clash against Ulster in Belfast this Friday, all eyes will be on Mchunu to see if he can maintain his explosive performance.
“One of my strengths is my ball carrying,” Mchunu acknowledged.
"The more I can sharpen that and make it an edge, I’ll keep working on it. I enjoy it and want to get better every game."
His commitment has been unwavering since the preseason training, where according to Mchunu, the coaching team set high expectations. "From the get-go, the coaches were hard on me. Not in a bad way, but demanding a standard. That’s been the challenge, and it hasn’t dropped," he added.
Rito Hlungwani, the Stormers forwards coach, expressed his enthusiasm about Mchunu’s transition to Cape Town.
"I was excited when Tuks moved to Cape Town. I challenge him a lot and he embraces it. There’s still plenty more coming."
Mchunu's dynamic presence has also caught national attention, earning him a spot in Rassie Erasmus’ first alignment camp of the year.
Mchunu's journey to becoming a formidable prop was driven by a pivotal shift suggested by his U21 coach Sean Everitt in 2019, who saw greater potential beyond his then-role as a loose forward. Reflecting on this transition, Mchunu said, “At first I thought he was joking. After the third time, I asked him if he was serious. He said, ‘I don’t think you’re a bad loose forward… I just think you’ll be a greater prop. The pathway for you there is a lot better.’” This shift was challenging but ultimately rewarding as Mchunu grew more confident in his new position, evident in his impressive performances on the field.
That confidence shone brightly in a clever move with fellow prop Neethling Fouché against Glasgow, which not only duped the defense but also opened the scoring for the game. "You need to have a bit of confidence if you’re going to put your tighthead in a playmaking position. But it’s just something we felt we’d like to add to our arsenal," Mchunu explained, highlighting the strategic depth he brings to the team.
With the Stormers currently leading the race and Mchunu's form ascending, the anticipation for their upcoming matches is palpable, promising thrilling rugby action as they charge towards the playoffs.
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As the Vodacom URC playoffs edge closer, Stormers' powerhouse Ntuthuko Mchunu is not just in form; he's on fire. Having recently switched from the Sharks, the loosehead prop has already left a significant imprint, notching four tries in merely three appearances, including a stunning double in their recent thrashing of the Glasgow Warriors. However, Mchunu's ambitions don't just lie in try-scoring exploits. As the Stormers gear up for a critical clash against Ulster in Belfast this Friday, all eyes will be on Mchunu to see if he can maintain his explosive performance.
“One of my strengths is my ball carrying,” Mchunu acknowledged.
"The more I can sharpen that and make it an edge, I’ll keep working on it. I enjoy it and want to get better every game."
His commitment has been unwavering since the preseason training, where according to Mchunu, the coaching team set high expectations. "From the get-go, the coaches were hard on me. Not in a bad way, but demanding a standard. That’s been the challenge, and it hasn’t dropped," he added.Rito Hlungwani, the Stormers forwards coach, expressed his enthusiasm about Mchunu’s transition to Cape Town.
"I was excited when Tuks moved to Cape Town. I challenge him a lot and he embraces it. There’s still plenty more coming."
Mchunu's dynamic presence has also caught national attention, earning him a spot in Rassie Erasmus’ first alignment camp of the year.Mchunu's journey to becoming a formidable prop was driven by a pivotal shift suggested by his U21 coach Sean Everitt in 2019, who saw greater potential beyond his then-role as a loose forward. Reflecting on this transition, Mchunu said, “At first I thought he was joking. After the third time, I asked him if he was serious. He said, ‘I don’t think you’re a bad loose forward… I just think you’ll be a greater prop. The pathway for you there is a lot better.’” This shift was challenging but ultimately rewarding as Mchunu grew more confident in his new position, evident in his impressive performances on the field.
That confidence shone brightly in a clever move with fellow prop Neethling Fouché against Glasgow, which not only duped the defense but also opened the scoring for the game. "You need to have a bit of confidence if you’re going to put your tighthead in a playmaking position. But it’s just something we felt we’d like to add to our arsenal," Mchunu explained, highlighting the strategic depth he brings to the team.
With the Stormers currently leading the race and Mchunu's form ascending, the anticipation for their upcoming matches is palpable, promising thrilling rugby action as they charge towards the playoffs.