Bok call-up for benched Notshe not on his mind, but he knows how to get there

Sharks loose forward Sikhumbuzo Notshe doesn't have a Springbok call-up fresh on his mind, but knows he's a few consistent performances away from making Jacques Nienaber look in his direction.

Notshe was in the Springbok selection frame last year, but a nasty knee injury ruled him out of contention for the British & Irish Lions series.

That allowed Jasper Wiese to successfully move in on the No 8 spot and eventually become Duane Vermeulen's understudy.

With Notshe recovering from injury, the Stormers found themselves a gem in Evan Roos while the Bulls continued to polish the diamond that is Elrigh Louw.

Notshe also faces internal competition from Phendulani Buthelezi, who is coming on in leaps and bounds.

Notshe said he hasn't been in contact with the Springbok management, but said the fact he remained in the alignment camps before he was injured meant something was seen in him.

Notshe has been capped six times by the Springboks.

"I last spoke to them in the final alignment camp before the British & Irish Lions series and that was before I got injured," Notshe said.

"I haven't been in contact with them since then, but judging from those alignment camps, it's obviously about how they expect you as an individual to be aligned with them in terms of what they want.

"It's never a specific thing and there's a reason why you get picked to be in those alignment camps.

"I've never been given a message and been told I must work on this and that. I've always been invited there and maybe the reason is that something was seen in me that could align with the Boks."

Notshe's return to peak fitness and form will continue when he gets more game time against the Dragons at Kings Park on Friday. His normal ball in hand game was neutralised by the