The Cult of Asenathi Ntlabakanye rises at Springboks, but then Lions fans already knew about it

Break Point Column by Morgan Bolton

When Asenathi Ntlabakanye smeared Sergeal Petersen into the Ellis Park turf during a United Rugby Championship clash, many rugby fans caught on to a truth that Lions supporters already knew: the burly prop would be a cult figure – if given a chance.

In the 2019 Rugby World Cup final against England, Tendai Mtawarira packed down against his counterpart Dan Cole – who had replaced the injured Kyle Sinckler. The Beast feasted that day, relishing his dominance and cracking the resistance of the opposition.

For the final time in his illustrious career, the exuberant cry of “Beeeeeaaast” rang out around the Yokohama International Stadium in Japan.

For many years, it had already been a rite of passage for any fan of the game to proclaim his name whenever he touched the ball, made a tackle or, on that particular stage, dismantled the hopes of the opposing pack.

Beast enjoyed that rarefied respect wherever he went. It did not matter whether he was on his home turf at Kings Park in Durban, at Ellis Park or down in Cape Town – his name drew the adulation of those in attendance and those watching from the comfort of their homes or local pubs.

In many respects, Asen has developed a similar following in Johannesburg, ‘The Pride’ enjoying every instance of him getting involved in the game.

We haven’t quite cracked our collective expression for when he makes an impact, but perhaps the national zeitgeist will emerge with a war cry on his behalf.

If it hasn’t become clear, I am quite chuffed and excited that Ntlabakanye has finally earned a call-up to the Springboks. He will feature this weekend in the Green and Gold – although not earning his official Test cap just yet – when he runs on against the Barbarians.

Having interacted with Asen for a couple of years now, I can only gush about his stature, his forthrightness and his leadership qualities.

Honest and frank, he has never shied away from confronting the good and the bad with a chuckle, a poke and a confident knowledge.

This past week, Bok coach Rassie Erasmus revealed that Ntlabakanye has lost 18kg while under the conditioning regime of the world champions.

I watched with sadomasochistic glee the social media posts of him being put through his paces by Bok scrum guru Daan Human on a plaas somewhere in the Free State. Kamp DaanDraad, Erasmus cheekily referred to it – as I chuckled along.

I suspect what we will see in the coming weeks and months is the best version of Ntlabakanye.

Already known for his powerful runs, ball-carrying abilities and freakish athleticism, the Bok set-up will only amplify those strengths.

Earlier this year, while speaking to former Bok prop Steven Kitshoff, he admitted that perhaps the one area where Ntlabakanye could improve is at scrum-time.

Well, under Human and Rassie, you’d expect that department to improve exponentially.

While sitting at Franco’s Pizzeria & Trattoria in Parkview this past week, I noticed a chalkboard mounted on one of the walls. Scribbled on it was a simple truth: “Stressed is desserts spelt backwards.”

As I mulled over its implications, Ntlabakanye came to mind.

Not for any reason other than the fact that, for years, he has fielded questions about his dream of one day playing for the Springboks.

Lions fans have watched on as he has worked towards that goal. While training under Human, his muscles have no doubt been contorted and stressed to degrees yet unexplored.

On Saturday at Cape Town Stadium, he gets to enjoy the desserts of his efforts. Hopefully, a week later at Loftus Versfeld, he will get to enjoy an official Test cap, too.

The Cult of Asen, I suspect, is about to welcome a whole new influx of followers.