Vincent Koch says Boks not changing their approach for Romania

Springbok tighthead prop Vincent Koch is excited about his first start since 2019 and says the Boks have identified several areas they want to work on against Romania.

The Sharks recruit packs down in an all-new eight to the one that started in the 18-3 victory over Scotland, and Koch said their work will be to progress what was achieved in the opening match.

"We're going to play the way we want to play," said Koch.

"We looked at what we can improve on from the last game and what we can get better at. As a South African team, we pride ourselves on the set pieces and we just want to get stronger in that."

South Africa vs Romania: Overview, table and history

That would have been the approach regardless of opponent, but Koch said that the team had prepared for Romania as they had for any other team. The Boks have played them only once - at the 1995 Rugby World Cup - but have nonetheless done their research.

"We've analysed them quite a lot this week and we saw that they've got a decent forward pack," he said.

"They play with passion, and they want to make their people back home very proud. There are a lot of their players, playing in fringe leagues and we know they're going to be physical as they were against Ireland.

"I'm looking forward to it, it'll be a physical battle against them and then of course the backs will have a say, but we know that it's going to be physical up front as they are more of a forward-based team.

"They fronted up very well against Ireland. They stole a few lineouts; the scrum was decent as well and they have some big players, and they'll definitely want to prove themselves against South Africa in the set pieces."

The match kicks off at 15h00 South African time on Sunday.

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