High praise for Van Rensburg as James finds his feet at No10
SAM JAMES says he would welcome Rohan Janse van Rensburg back at Sale with open arms should his fellow centre decide to return to the club next season.
Once-capped Springbok Janse van Rensburg has returned to South Africa to join up with the Lions, following an impressive short-term loan deal at the Sharks. However, last week’s
Blindside flagged up the possibility of a return to the UK at the end of the Super Rugby season, with Sale and Gloucester both keen on securing the 23-yearold centre’s signature.
“I’d love to see him back, he is one heck of a player and a really nice guy,” said James.
“He slotted in really well during his short time here and, if we were able to get him back, it would be a boost for the whole squad.
“I think what he provided in the month and a half he had here was phenomenal.”
Meanwhile, James has said he is more than happy to cover for AJ MacGinty at fly-half while the American ace recovers from a long-term knee injury – especially if it means getting more game time alongside younger brother Luke.
Luke, 18, came on at centre for the final few minutes of last weekend’s 15-13 Challenge Cup win over Lyon, while Sam started his second game of the season at 10.
Once MacGinty returns to fitness the two could be competing for the same spot in midfield. While the same is true of the Curry twins, Ben and Tom, Sam says the England back rowers take sibling rivalry to another level.
“Injuries have opened the door for Luke and he’s done really well. I am proud of him and will support him as much as I can,” said Sam, the older by five years.
“We look at the Currys sometimes and think, ‘what on earth are they doing?’ They are always trying to outdo each other and bicker over everything. Any little squabble turns into a massive argument!”
As for playing 10, the position he adopted on occasions last season and played in his youth, James senior says the switch is made much easier with Will Addison and Mike Haley in the team.
“Sometimes I find myself switching off when I am fly-half and going back into my centre role. I drift onto an edge and then forget that I am supposed to be the one in there organising everything,” he admitted.
“But with Will and Mike it’s like having three 10s on the pitch, they really take the pressure off me.
“I can fall into the 12 or 13 roles if either of them steps in at first receiver.
“I don’t think I did too badly last week and, hopefully, with the more game time I get there, the better feel I will have for it.”