Seven Years After Stunning Debut, Jantjies Reflects On Springbok Recall
Scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies has reflected on his return to the Springbok starting XV to face Australia in Perth, targeting a long-term place in the squad.
Jantjies announced himself on the international stage in 2019 by scoring two tries on debut as the Springboks defeated Australia 35-17 in Johannesburg. He followed that performance by scoring again in his next Test, a 16-16 draw against New Zealand in Wellington.
Now, after spending three years out of the Springbok setup, the 30-year-old scrumhalf has another opportunity to face Australia and stake his claim for a long-term place in the squad.
While the occasion brings back special memories, Jantjies insists his focus is firmly on the opportunity in front of him rather than the significance of the opposition.
“Making my debut against Australia in 2019 brings back lots of special memories, but it’s also a long time down the line,” said Jantjies.
“I’ve been out of the mix for three years, and I don’t think the team I get to play against really matters. I’m just grateful for the opportunity, and hopefully I can play to the best of my ability.”
Jantjies has returned to the Bok setup with a few new additions to the coaching group and believes he has gained plenty from working with the current staff and his fellow scrumhalves.
“A lot has changed. It’s incredible working with Coach Tony Brown and Coach Jerry (Flannery). I’ve already worked with Coach Felix. There have been a lot of learnings from them and from seeing how they view the game,” he said.
“It’s an exciting time for me, and it’s time to show what I’ve learnt from training and sitting in the team meetings.”
The scrumhalf, who plies his trade for Bayonne in the highly rated French Top 14, has also been taking lessons from the other players competing for the No. 9 jersey, including Morne van den Berg, who impressed in the Springboks’ recent victory over New Zealand in Baltimore.
“I’ve taken aspects from the other scrumhalves as well. A guy like Krappies had an amazing game against New Zealand in Baltimore, and to see how he went about his work, I would like to think I can take my opportunity in a similar fashion,” he said.
Jantjies faces stiff competition for the position from the likes of Morne van den Berg, Cobus Reinach and Grant Williams, but rather than viewing that as pressure, he sees it as an opportunity to continue developing.
“With competition for the position being so great, we do challenge each other in a healthy way. Each of the scrumhalves has something special that they bring to the game, so it’s important for me to learn from them.”
Asked whether having such quality competition made his task easier, Jantjies chuckled before admitting it only adds to his motivation.
“It doesn’t make things easier for me,” he said. “But it gives me the energy to show the coaches and the team that I do belong here.”
