Jason Jenkins from Munster/ Image: X/Twitter
Matfield backs Jenkins to become Springboks’ next BIG thing!
Jason Jenkins, the rising star of South African rugby, is tipped by Victor Matfield to become the next Springbok enforcer.
Jason Jenkins from Munster/ Image: X/Twitter
Victor Matfield, one of the greatest locks to ever play the game, has recently expressed his admiration for Jason Jenkins, a rising star in South African rugby. Matfield believes that Jenkins has the potential to become the next big thing in the Springbok second row.
From Late Bloomer to Irish Powerhouse
Jenkins, who only started playing rugby at the age of 16, has come a long way in a short time. After impressing at the Bulls, he made the move to Ireland in 2021, joining Munster before switching to Leinster in 2022.
His performances for the Irish giants have been nothing short of remarkable.
A Physical Presence on the Pitch
At 6’7″ and 125kg, Jenkins is an imposing figure on the rugby field. His physicality and work rate have been key to his success, with Matfield describing him as “a big strong boy who likes to get on the front foot.”
Surprise Omission from Springbok Squad
Despite his impressive performances, Jenkins was surprisingly left out of the Springbok squad for the 2023 World Cup.
Matfield expressed his shock at the decision, saying, “I actually thought he would have been in the Springbok squad for the World Cup last year. I was very surprised when he didn’t make it.”
Jenkins: Returning to South Africa with the Sharks
Jenkins will be returning to his homeland at the end of the season, joining the Sharks in Durban.
This move could be the catalyst for him to break into the Springbok squad and establish himself as a regular starter.
The Heir Apparent to Eben Etzebeth?
Matfield believes that Jenkins has the attributes to succeed Eben Etzebeth as the Springboks’ enforcer in the second row.
“He is a guy that might take over from Eben Etzebeth as that hard worker and that enforcer by just being in your face,” Matfield said.
A Potential Partnership with RG Snyman
The prospect of Jenkins partnering with his good friend RG Snyman in the Springbok second row is an exciting one.
Matfield suggested that the two could form a formidable partnership, saying, “We could see him getting back to partnering with RG Snyman. They are very good mates as well.”
Jenkins: Impressing on Tour with Leinster
Jenkins is currently on tour with Leinster in South Africa, playing in the United Rugby Championship matches against the Lions and Stormers.
These games provide him with the perfect opportunity to showcase his skills in front of his home crowd and catch the eye of the Springbok selectors.
With his impressive performances in Ireland and Matfield’s backing, Jason Jenkins is undoubtedly a rising star of South African rugby. As he prepares to return home and join the Sharks, the future looks bright for this talented young lock.
