Springbok prop Carlü Sadie openly confessed that nothing could have adequately prepared him for the grueling scrum sessions led by Bok scrum master Daan Human. Despite clashing with Europe's formidable packs and triumphing in the Investec Champions Cup with Bordeaux Bègles, Sadie's real challenge was encountered at a training ground in Gqeberha, well before he earned his first Springbok start in the 80-31 demolition of the Barbarians.
Reflecting on his first intense encounter with the Bok’s scrum practices, Sadie remarked, “I'd heard a lot of stories about the Springboks’ scrum sessions, but experiencing it firsthand was something else entirely. They push you to your absolute limit.” He vividly recalled the moment exhaustion hit him hard right after the session: “When I stood up, the world suddenly went dark and Siya [Kolisi] grabbed me and asked if I was OK. I told him, ‘Yes, let’s do it again.’”
"Working with Daan and the group definitely makes you better and tougher,"
Sadie admitted, acknowledging the step-up in intensity from his previous experiences. Unlike the mechanical reliance on scrum machines, Human’s approach involves real-time scrum battles among the players, enhancing both their skill and endurance.Sadie's journey to the Bok squad is nothing short of inspirational. Following a severe neck injury during his stint with Bordeaux, which mirrored an injury suffered by fellow player Steven Kitshoff, the prognosis was grim. However, Bordeaux committed to his recovery. “Things didn’t look very good then, but Bordeaux said they would look after me and make sure I got back onto the field. I’m very grateful for that,” he shared.
His wife, Niritha, alongside the unwavering support from his club, played crucial roles in his rehabilitation and return to the field. “They gave me the platform and said, ‘You are going to work hard, make sure you do all your rehabilitation and stay positive about everything you do.’”
Now back in the fray and donning the Springbok jersey, Sadie reflects on his journey with a sense of accomplishment and gratitude: "To be here with the Springboks is a dream come true. The most important thing was just getting back onto the field.” Celebrating his recovery and selection, Sadie's story is a testament to resilience and the power of a supportive community.
SQUAD UPDATE: Riley remains with the Boks while Embrose makes a return.