CAPE TOWN - Western Province scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies is relishing his first Currie Cup season with the defending champions.
Jantjies came through the Province ranks and played at Under-19 and U21 level as well as in the Rugby Challenge, and now, as one of three young scrumhalves among WP’s ample talent, the 22-year-old says that he’s enjoying the opportunity to rack up those minutes. WP currently top the standings after getting maximum points in all five of their games, while the Blue Bulls - their next opposition - are in third spot.
“It has been a privilege to be involved in my first Currie Cup season. We are a team that wants to play and throw the ball around a bit. It is always nice to play with the ball and score good tries,” Jantjies said. “A team that attacks is usually a team that gets lucky. I enjoy that rugby especially if I can run good support lines. I have a lot to learn, but I am enjoying it.”
Jantjies is joined in WP’s scrumhalf group by Justin Phillips and Paul de Wet, while Jano Vermaak is the most experienced campaigner. Jantjies could run on for WP against this weekend in Vermaak’s absence, and given the unmistakable talent the Paul Roos product has shown, it’ll again be good to see how he goes in an extended run.
And while he is eyeing a Super Rugby spot, the exciting Jantjies added that having a more senior player in the mould of Vermaak has only helped his game. “It is my goal to play Super Rugby. We have great competition here, any one of the other guys can play," he said.
"It all depends on what the coaches want on the day. All three of us will push each other hard for that starting spot. It is awesome. I have learned a lot from Jano in such a short space of time. It is great having a guy like him in the squad for the energy and the wisdom that he brings helps a lot. You can go to him any time and ask him something. He is always willing to help you.”
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A post shared by Herschel Jantjies(@hersch09) on Sep 23, 2018 at 3:33am PDT