Jan Serfontein

Springbok midfielder Jan Serfontein was sitting at home watching the England vs Wales Rugby World Cup clash this past weekend when his phone rang, changing his life altogether.

Serfontein got a call from Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer telling him to ready himself for a trip to join the national team in the wake of Jean de Villiers’ injury.

Arriving late on Monday Serfontein joined the Springbok camp and depending on the injury report may well have to play this coming weekend against Scotland at St James’ Park in the Pool B showdown.

“I was surprised to get the call,” Serfontein admitted, “I was watching the Wales-England game and I got a call from coach Heyneke saying that Jean is injured and that he was considering picking me and he would only confirm it on Sunday.

“I couldn’t sleep the night and got the news on Sunday, but I’m happy to be here now and will do everything I can to contribute.”

While some may be upset that Lions midfielder Lionel Mapoe wasn’t called up, Serfontein has always been on standby for the No 12 position and Heyneke Meyer replaced like for like. De Villiers was in the squad as a No 12 that covers No 13 and Serfontein is the same. Mapoe is a No 13 that covers wing as well and is also on the standby squad.

To be fair to Serfontein, he was 1 of the standout performers in 2014 and played all 12 tests for the Springboks during last year, often doubling up at outside centre with De Villiers. A few injuries in Super Rugby and the emergence of Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel and he fell back in the queue, missing out on the team selection for the Rugby World Cup.

“I was very disappointed, it was tough but I got a chance to get some game time at Currie Cup level that I was happy about,” Serfontein said.

“It was a difficult season, I had a couple of injuries, which didn’t help, at vital times in the season and Jesse did very well and got his chance. I can’t complain or anything but the life gives you a few curveballs, and you have to adapt.

“It definitely makes you realise that there are so many players in your position who can also do your job. It makes you train harder to get into the team. It’s not nice to be out of the team so you will do your best to get back in.”

Serfontein’s form may not have been his best in his only game in the Currie Cup, but returning to provincial rugby and getting over the disappointment, playing for a new coach in a new pattern may have all taken its toll.

The 1 thing he does have on his side is an excellent defensive record and a will to do well. He is also 1 of those players who tends to grow in stature once he pulls on the green and gold.

Serfontein knows what he needs to do now that he is here. Buckle down, work hard and use every opportunity that comes your way. De Villiers will be missed but the team must go on without him.

SuperSport