Grant Williams and Herschel Jantjies’ matchup in Saturday’s URC derby between the Sharks and Stormers might determine which of the two halfbacks will represent the Springboks at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
The Sharks will host the Stormers at Kings Park on Saturday afternoon in a coastal derby postponed from September’s opening round.
In 2023, the Springboks will spend approximately THREE MONTHS away from home.
The competition for the SA shield is heating up as the Sharks have a game in hand over the Stormers and a victory in Durban will narrow the deficit to eight league points with the defending champions.
Jantjies and Williams are likely vying for a spot in a Springbok scrumhalf room currently manned by Faf de Klerk and Cobus Reinach. There is usually a national meaning in South African derbies.
With Jaden Hendrikse again unavailable for the Sharks due to Springboks resting regulations, Williams will make his seventh start of the 2022/23 URC season, having scored four tries in six starts.
Williams, 26 years old, made his Test debut for the Springboks in the second of a three-match series against Wales last year. Williams played for the South Africa ‘A’ team on their November tour of Ireland and England, despite that being his sole Test appearance of 2022.
The swift halfback is the most incisive ball-carrier in Durban, where the Sharks are among the league leaders in terms of average yards per carry.
On Saturday, Williams’ opponent in the derby is likely to be another Springbok scrumhalf keen to demonstrate his ability.
Jantjies made just two Test appearances in 2022, both as a substitute against Wales in Pretoria and New Zealand in Johannesburg, due to Hendrikse’s good form and a few persistent ailments.
Additionally, the Springboks anticipate a harsh reception at the World Cup.
Jantjies has also made only two appearances in the URC this season after playing a pivotal role in the Stormers’ route to the championship last year.
This year, the 26-year-old player intends to continue improving his game.
“Attempts are always entertaining, and contributing in any way is what it’s all about. It was a step in the right direction, and for me, it’s always been about striving to better myself and adapt, as Jantjies explained.
Sometimes things don’t go your way, but I feel that if I continue to work hard and strive, they will eventually go my way. Now, my objective is to work even harder to ensure that my name is on the World Cup roster.”
With both scrum-halves anxious to improve their national team standing, the Durban derby is sure to be a hot affair.
The Springboks will leave no stone uncovered in their pursuit of RWC victory.
South African scrumhalf in URC
»Clash between Springboks halfbacks adds spice to the South African derby«