Dobbo: Mchunu’s pushing for higher honours

John Dobson believes powerhouse prop Ntuthuko Mchunu is “going to be a star for South African rugby”.

The loosehead has made an explosive impact since arriving in Cape Town.

On Saturday, the 27-year-old bagged a brace of tries in the 48-12 rout of the Glasgow Warriors, and has quickly become a key figure in the Stormers’ forward pack since joining from the Sharks.

Dobson praised both his physicality and influence in the side’s increasingly dominant scrum culture.

“He’s a different individual,” Dobson said. “His general play is good and I can’t see how he doesn’t suit us.

“He’s going to be pushing for much higher honours.”

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Mchunu’s performances in the Stormers jersey have added fresh power to the pack, particularly with his ball-carrying ability around the park. That has been showcased by his barnstorming runs and appetite to score tries.

Dobson said the front row’s continued strength, despite several absentees, underlined both the depth within the squad and the impact Mchunu has made since joining the club.

“If you look at that front row, Vernon Matongo and Oliver Reid weren’t there on the loosehead side, Frans Malherbe and Sazi Sandi weren’t there on the tighthead side, but they still worked well and Mchunu’s general game, especially his ball carrying, is wonderful,” Dobson explained.

“I think he’s going to be a star for South African rugby for some time to come.”

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Dobson also singled out former Stormers prop Brok Harris for helping build the culture that has allowed players such as Mchunu to thrive.

“Since he’s come here, I think Brok is another unsung hero, and our scrum culture is so fantastic.”

The Stormers may also face a battle to keep hold of the highly-rated Mchunu, with Dobson revealing there is already strong overseas interest in the former Sharks front-rower.

“There are lots of people overseas who like him. So, we’ll have to see if we can see that threat off.”

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