Odwa just ticks all the boxes

While most 35-year-olds are winding down their sporting careers, Ndungane was busy scoring two tries in last week’s 43-8 win over the Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth at the weekend.

Some are beginning to wonder whether he has stumbled upon a fountain of youth in his hometown of Mthatha, but Ndungane narrowed down his staying power to being blessed.

With his twin brother Akona’s career ending because of injury, he is not taking any day of rugby for granted despite his 100-plus Super Rugby caps.

“For me it’s just a blessing and it’s not through anything that I’ve done very differently. I’ve been blessed to be still fit and healthy. We have a good management and good medical team and the guys will tell you that I’m in the room more than anyone else so my body needs a rub now and again. I’m in a good place and a good space so we’ll see how long it goes,” said Ndungane.

“Akona is a strong man and he came back from two broken legs to have a long and successful career. I’m not taking that for granted and last year he struggled with injury but was strong mentally to come back from his injuries to play as long as he did.”

Ndungane is one of the few current players who has featured in every format of Super Rugby since the game went professional in 1996. Ndungane made his Super Rugby bow with the Bulls back in 2004 before moving to the Sharks in 2005.

That unparalleled longevity is only matched by Brumbies hooker Stephen Moore, who first played for the Reds 13 years ago when the competition only had 12 teams.

Sticking to basics is what has got Ndungane through the past decade and he knows it’s not easy to sustain a long career in the shredder that is modern rugby.

“If you play at the highest level for a long time, what you quickly realise is that you’re not a machine and your body gets to feel it very quickly. I’ve been fortunate not to have serious injuries in my career because those take time to heal. That’s maybe one of the reasons why I’ve been able to play for as long as I have, but my body does feel it. For now, it’s all about doing my recovery well and do all the things that ensure that I’m in good shape for the next game,” said Ndungane.

“This year is going to be an exciting one and what makes it extra special is the youngsters we have. There’s a nice balance of youth and experience and don’t remember the last time I scored two tries in the first game of the season.”