Ox Nche has given a ringing endorsement of the work done across the Hollywoodbets Sharks organisation after the franchise made a flying start to the United Rugby Championship campaign. The Springbok loosehead, who returned to club duty last week following international commitments, said there has been a noticeable difference in the Durban camp compared to previous seasons.
"I think we are in a space now where we are not just saying words, we are doing what we say," Nche said. "There's a lot of action now and more belief (in what we are doing). It feels like we are all more aligned. I am enjoying it. There a big difference (in vibe) from previous seasons."
The Sharks currently sit atop the URC standings after securing back-to-back bonus-point victories over the Ospreys and Leinster. Nche made his first appearance of the season off the bench in the 26-20 triumph over Leinster. The improved form follows a disappointing 2025/26 campaign that saw the Sharks finish 10th in the table.
Structural changes to the management system during the off-season, including the appointment of former Cheetahs director of rugby Rory Duncan, have been credited with bringing better alignment across different tiers of the organisation. Defence coach Joey Mongalo also alluded to the improved cohesion in the buildup to the Leinster fixture.
The Sharks face their first major test of the season on Saturday when they travel to Cape Town to face the DHL Stormers in what is expected to be a Springbok-laden derby. Nche's scrum battle with Stormers tighthead Wilco Louw, who rejoined the Cape side from the Bulls, has been highlighted as one of the key individual contests.