Cornal Hendricks (c) of the Bulls is tackled by Herschel Jantjies (l) and Jean-Luc du Plessis (r) of the Stormers during the 2020 Super Rugby game between the Stormers and the Bulls at Newlands Rugby Stadium in Cape Town on 8 February 2020 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Springboks: Jacques Nienaber hints at rare opportunities
A couple of players are yet to feature for the Springboks this year. Jacques Nienaber has hinted at rare last-minute opportunities for them.
Cornal Hendricks (c) of the Bulls is tackled by Herschel Jantjies (l) and Jean-Luc du Plessis (r) of the Stormers during the 2020 Super Rugby game between the Stormers and the Bulls at Newlands Rugby Stadium in Cape Town on 8 February 2020 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
A couple of players are yet to feature for the Springboks this year. Jacques Nienaber has hinted at rare last-minute opportunities for them.
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Jean-Luc du Preez and Herschel Jantjies are two players in the current Springboks squad who have not played a single minute this year. However, both men are likely to earn some rare gametime this weekend when the Boks take on Argentina in Beunes Aires on Saturday, 05 August 2023.
Nienaber has hinted at both players having a crack against Los Pumas.
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Nienaber will be announcing the Springboks final 33-man Rugby World Cup squad on 8 August 2023.
Therefore, for du Preez, Jantjies and several fringe players this is their final chance to stake a last-minute bid for their tickets to France.
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Speaking on the 26-man training group sent to Argentina, Nienaber hinted at playing time for both du Preez and Jantjies.
“Many of these players have received some game time in the last few weeks, while a few could get their first run such as Jean-Luc (du Preez) and Herschel (Jantjies), and we know how important it is for them to grab this opportunity with both hands,” Nienaber told SA Rugby.
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Essentially, this is a last-minute bid for these players with the squad announcement taking place three days later.
Therefore, du Preez and Jantjies are essentially on trial. Furthermore, both men will have to put in huge displays if they are to change the Bok equation having not featured so far.
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26-MAN SQUAD IN ARGENTINA
Springbok squad to travel to Argentina:
Props: Thomas du Toit, Steven Kitshoff, Vincent Koch, Gerhard Steenekamp, Trevor Nyakane.
Hookers: Bongi Mbonambi, Joseph Dweba.
Locks: Lood de Jager, Jean Kleyn, Marvin Orie.
Loose forwards: Jean-Luc du Preez, Evan Roos, Jasper Wiese.
Utility forwards: Deon Fourie, Franco Mostert.
Scrumhalves: Jaden Hendrikse, Herschel Jantjies, Cobus Reinach.
Flyhalf: Manie Libbok.
Centres: Lukhanyo Am, Andre Esterhuizen, Jesse Kriel.
Outside Backs: Makazole Mapimpi, Canan Moodie, Kurt-Lee Arendse.
Utility back: Damian Willemse.
