Herschel Jantjies says the fire is still burning inside him to perform for the Springboks – starting against the Wallabies in Perth on Sunday. MORNÉ ESBEN reports.
The former Stormers scrumhalf made a reappearance in the green and gold for the first time in three years during the Nations Championship match against Wales in Durban in July, when he came on as a reserve. He celebrated his return by scoring one of the Boks’ seven tries on the night.
Now, with his first Test start since 2021, Jantjies is relishing the chance to show how much he has learned during his time back in the squad.
“Making my debut in 2019 against Australia, there are a lot of special memories. But also, it’s a long time down the line now,” Jantjies told the media this week.
“I’ve been out of the mix for about three years now and I don’t think the team I play against or get my opportunity against matters that much. I’m just really grateful for the opportunity and hopefully I can go out this weekend and play to the best of my ability.”
MORE: Porthen ready to seize chance in Perth
Jantjies has spent much of the international season watching from the sidelines and learning from the coaches and fellow scrumhalves around him.
“Obviously lots has changed. It’s incredible working with coaches like Coach Tony [Brown] and Coach Jerry [Flannery] … and Coach Felix [Jones] I’ve worked with before.
“So there’s been a lot of learnings from them, seeing how they see the game and how they want to play the game – it’s a very exciting time for me.”
FREE DIGI-MAG: Boks’ greatness grows
Jantjies has also been able to learn by observing the other scrumhalves in the squad, with Morné van den Berg’s performance against the All Blacks in Baltimore providing a particularly useful reference point.
“The opportunity is here now to show what I’ve learned and obviously being in the squad and not playing, I’ve learned a lot in training and sitting in team meetings and taking from the other scrumhalves,” he said.
“I mean a guy like Krappie playing in the last Test against New Zealand and having an amazing game, it was great to see how he came on and went about his work. I would love to think that I could go on this weekend and take the opportunity in a similar fashion.”
KEO: Rassie’s Perth gamble comes with a loaded bench
Jantjies also stressed that the battle for the No 9 jersey has been a positive influence on the group, rather than a source of tension.
“The competition in the squad at nine is amazing. We help each other where we can and I’m just grateful for the opportunity.”
Photo: Juan Jose Gasparini/Gallo Images
