Lock Ruan Nortje has praised Junior World Championship-winning captain Riley Norton as a generational talent after spending time with him in the Springbok camp ahead of Saturday's Nations Championship Test against Italy at Allianz Stadium in Turin.
Nortje, who recently joined Kubota Spears in Japan after a decade with the Bulls, described the 20-year-old Norton's maturity as remarkable. "It's crazy to think he's only 20 years old. If I personally have to look at myself at that age, it's crazy to think how mature these players are," Nortje said. "He's got tremendous potential in him; he's definitely a great leader. I'm very happy and excited for what the future holds for him."
Norton is one of six uncapped players included in the Boks' squad for the European leg of the Nations Championship.
On his own transition to Japan Rugby League One, Nortje said the move was about deliberate growth. "I'm really excited to experience a new type of game and maybe get a bit outside of my comfort zone. The biggest thing for me is to learn and grow as much as possible."
Looking ahead to the Italy Test, Nortje cautioned that the Azzurri at home are a different proposition. "The last time we played here, we had to fight up until the last 10 minutes of the match before we got a bit of a breakaway," he noted. "They're very passionate, and we know they'll be up for it." He added that the key to handling a hostile crowd is leaning on preparation and the experience within the squad.