Serfontein gets his RWC chance

Blue Bulls centre Jan Serfontein has been called up to replace injured skipper Jean de Villiers.

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Johannesburg – While the circumstances that led to his inclusion in the Springbok World Cup squad are far from ideal, there is no doubt that Jan Serfontein will grab his chance to represent his country with both hands.

The Blue Bulls centre has been called up to replace injured captain Jean de Villiers who captained South Africa against Samoa on Saturday.

De Villiers fractured his jaw – for the second time in a matter of months – during his team’s 46-6 victory and is on his way home.

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer was quick to send for Serfontein who may have considered himself unfortunate when he wasn’t included in the initial 31-man RWC squad.

The 22-year-old had accumulated 20 caps for the national team since he made his debut against Italy in 2013, but this year he was sidelined by injury during the international season.

Serfontein has since recovered and has been making steady progress with the Blue Bulls during the Absa Currie Cup competition.

Known for his outstanding defence, it would not be a surprise if Meyer decides to give the young gun the number 13 jersey when the Boks take on Scotland in another must-win match on Saturday.

Jesse Kriel, who entered the fray as a substitute against Samoa, also took a few hard knocks against the physical islanders and it could be wise to give the youngster more time to recover from his bruises, notably on his cheekbone (below his left eye).

Although he prefers to be closer to the action, Serfontein has proven that he is an asset in whichever position he plays and when he partnered De Villiers in midfield he was often tasked with defending the 10-12 channel.

Serfontein was also part of the team that won the 2012 IRB Junior World Championships and was last year named the Blue Bulls’ Player Of The Year.

For De Villiers, who was subjected to a rigorous conditioning programme to be ready for the World Cup, the tale ended against the very same team (Samoa) South Africa played when he got his chance during the 2007 World Cup.

De Villiers came on as a 51st minute replacement for Frans Steyn, who fractured his shoulder, and would go on to become a true ambassador and a brilliant leader for the national team.

– ANA