Herschel snubs Baabaas invite
POST RWC: FOCUS SHIFTS TO SUPER RUGBY CONDITIONING
Not too many players would say ‘no’ to a rare Barbarians invitation, unless perhaps one’s name is Herschel Jantjies. The ace Springbok scrumhalf surprisingly declined the invitation to play for the Baabaas against Fiji today and was replaced by veteran Stormers team-mate Jano Vermaak, one of nine Boks invited by coach Eddie Jones.
After picking up a hamstring injury against Canada during the recent World Cup, Jantjies said he wanted to focus on his conditioning and recovery before the next edition of the Super Rugby competition.
The 23-year-old Jantjies, who scored two tries on debut against
Australia at Ellis Park in a 35-17 win, played in his 10th Test in the World Cup final.
Reflecting on the 2019 season, he admitted he hadn’t realised this year would have been as significant for him as it became.
“I have been asked the question a lot, but at the beginning of the year I definitely would have said no, that I never expected such a great year,” said Jantjies, who played just 16 Super Rugby games before making his Bok debut.
“But as things went on and played out I started to realise more that this can actually become my year.
“I played SuperSport Challenge last year and made my debut in the final game for the Stormers, and things just changed since then.”
Nominated as Breakthrough Player of the Year by World Rugby, he revealed that winning the
World Cup and experiencing the huge welcome the squad received during their trophy parade had been beyond his expectations.
“I have really enjoyed my rugby and I am really blessed and grateful for the opportunity, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for me,” said Jantjies, who hails from the small community of Kylemore outside Stellenbosch.
“Every town and every city we went to had it’s own unique way to celebrate with us, and to say thank you.”
What stood out for him the most on their trophy tour was their trip to Zwide in Port Elizabeth last week, with people running next to the bus in the home town of Bok captain Siya Kolisi.
“I can’t explain how far the people ran, but everyone was just happy and there were people crying and shouting and waving and smiling,” he said.