Springbok prop, Vincent Koch, will return to the field on which he made his name as a hard-as-nails tighthead prop, tomorrow.

He has been selected as a reserve for the Castle Lager Rugby Championship match against Argentina at Mbombela Stadium. When he replaces Julian Redelinghuys he will earn his third Springbok cap.

Koch played 51 matches for the Steval Pumas from the 2013 to 2015 seasons. Such was his form and class that he was loaned to and played Super Rugby for the Stormers in 2015 and 2016.

The local hero is thrilled to be back and can’t wait to get on the pitch.

“The whole (Lowveld) community has opened their arms to us. The vibe is great. You can see the people are keen to see international rugby again,” said Koch at a press conference yesterday.

Koch made his debut against the All Blacks at Newlands in July last year. He came on for Jannie du Plessis in the second half. Minutes later he left the field with a head injury.

He played his second Bok match against Argentina in Durban a year ago. He was put under pressure by Argentina’s Marcos Ayerza and after conceding numerous penalties, was substituted at half time.

“I have put the (Durban) match behind me. It’s been a year since I played for the Springboks. I learnt a lot out of that Test, I took it very personally as well. I have made mental changes, my mind is stronger. I have learnt from my mistakes,” he said.

Koch has a point to prove when he runs onto the pitch, probably during in the second half on Saturday, and the Argentine front row will be waiting for him.

With 30 000 fans in the Mbombela Stadium cheering for him, it might be a very special moment in his young career.

Koch will join English Club, Saracens in October. Saracens will host Leicester Tigers on 19 October in an Aviva Premiership Rugby match. One Marcos Ayerza plays loosehead prop for the Tigers. Koch will be rather keen to be included in the match-day squad. There is a slight misperception which he would want to set straight.