Jantjies to start for South Africa against Australia

Herschel Jantjies is set to start at scrumhalf for South Africa against Australia in Perth on Sunday, returning to the starting lineup for the first time since 2021. The 30-year-old will partner Handre Pollard in the Springboks’ one-off Test at Optus Stadium, according to pre-match team reports. The match has not yet been played, and no result or performance assessment is available. Jantjies said his move to French club Bayonne and his return to work with the Springbok coaching staff had renewed his motivation to represent South Africa. He described himself as feeling younger and said he was grateful for the opportunity, after spending several seasons in and out of the national squad. His last Test before this year’s recall was against Argentina in August 2023. Jantjies returned as a replacement against Wales in Durban in July and scored a try, according to match coverage. His planned start against Australia marks a larger role after that substitute appearance. Jantjies said the periods when he was left out of the squad taught him patience and to make the most of each chance.