Scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies says missing out on the Springboks’ 2023 World Cup squad was one of the toughest moments of his career.
The 30-year-old marked his first Test appearance in almost three years by coming off the bench to score a try in Saturday’s 43-0 victory against Wales at Kings Park.
Jantjies burst onto the international scene in 2019, scoring two tries on debut in a win against the Wallabies at Ellis Park before crossing late in Wellington to help the Boks snatch a dramatic draw against the All Blacks.
He went on to make six appearances in the Boks’ 2019 World Cup-winning campaign in Japan, only to miss out on selection for France four years later.
“It was unbelievably heartbreaking,” Jantjies recalled. “I can still remember the evening the squad was announced … where we sat, how we sat and how coach Rassie [Erasmus] put everything on the board.
“Coach Rassie did come to me that evening after the squad announcement and he told me it was not the end of the world to not make the World Cup squad.
“But later on, as time went by, I started realising what he told me and I think he basically meant to just work harder on my game to bring myself to the party. And then I would get my chance again.”
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Jantjies admitted the quality of the players ahead of him made the selectors’ job anything but straightforward.
“Grant [Williams] was playing amazing rugby … he could cover wing as well. The same could be said of Cobus [Reinach]. Jaden [Hendrikse] was also in the mix,” he said.
“Yes, it was heartbreaking for me, but I think I allowed myself to grieve a little over it. But I didn’t get stuck in that space for too long.”
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With Erasmus having built remarkable depth, competition has become even fiercer.
“It’s incredible … not just at scrumhalf, but every position,” said Jantjies, who left the Stormers to join French Top 14 club Bayonne last year.
“It’s amazing to see the growth and the evolution from 2019 to now. There has been a lot of work put in by the coaches, and the competition created in the squad makes it so tough for everyone.
“Everyone wants to be on that level and in a Springbok jersey, which is why I’m not taking anything here for granted.
“Having been in the mix and then out for three years, I have a point of view from both sides now. I’m forever grateful that I can be back.”
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Photo: Johan Rynners/Getty Images
The post Herschel: I had to grieve World Cup heartbreak appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies says missing out on the Springboks’ 2023 World Cup squad was one of the toughest moments of his career.
The post Herschel: I had to grieve World Cup heartbreak appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
