Stormers’ new spark

IN THE SPOTLIGHT:  He might be small in stature, but Herschel Jantjies’ presence has made an enormous impact in the Stormers side.

With Jano Vermaak out of action for three to four weeks due to a knee injury, there were a few concerns inside the camp.

However, it seems like some of those worries have been put on the back burner as the veteran’s shoes have been duly filled by the young 22-year-old Jantjies.

Just a fortnight ago, Jantjies grabbed the headlines with a  match-winning try from the bench against the Lions at Newlands.

The former University of the Western Cape student followed it up with another impressive performance against the Sharks and his latest display against the Jaguares, including another sniping try,  has certainly made him a vital component for the Stormers' four-week Australasia tour.

Jantjies’ quick action at the breakdown and well-timed incisive breaks add a sense of urgency to the team. While the small scrumhalf is not scared to shy away from defensive work, making more than a handful of tackles, including a try-saving tackle.

https://soundcloud.com/user-645352503/robbie-fleck-after-stormerswin-over-jaguares

“He played very well,” head coach Robbie Fleck told reporters following the 35-8 win over the Jaguares at Newlands on Friday.

“For me it is just time in the saddle for young guys and giving them the confidence that they are being backed and playing alongside these experienced guys.

“We know how dangerous he [Jantjies] is around the fringes and he showed that again. His basics are good and he keeps the team on the front foot - asking a lot of questions of the defence.

“He is a fighter and he stays in the fight throughout the game.  He took a knock in training last week and we were a bit concerned for a moment, but he just gets up and carries on.”

Jantjies’ form along with fellow youngsters like Damian Willemse (20) and forwards Juarno Augustus (21), Cobus Wiese (21) and Jaco Coetzee (22) is certainly a good omen for the Cape side, who will have to rest a number of Springboks throughout the tour.

“We have a decent group that is going over there, so when we expect experienced guys like Siya Kolisi and Eben Etzebeth to miss a game, we can replace them with guys who can do the job for us,” Fleck said.

“I am really excited about some of the youngsters that are playing in the team at the moment and when a top player comes off, a youngster replaces him and delivers the goods. They need to have the same mindset on the bench and when they are replacing a starting player; they have to deliver the goods in a hostile environment.

“I think they certainly are up for the challenge,”

The Cape Town franchise plays the Hurricanes (in Wellington) this coming Saturday, followed by games against the Blues (Auckland), Reds (Brisbane) and Rebels (Melbourne).

By Leezil Hendricks

@Leezil07

@rugby365com