Jan Serfontein
A niggling hip flexor injury may have kept Springbok centre Jan Serfontein sidelined for parts of the Super Rugby season, but he is hopeful to soon stake a claim for a place in this year’s Rugby World Cup squad.
“Injuries have been a bit of a setback for me this year, but I’m on my way back. Maybe the fitness is a bit down, but it’s something you can work on, on your own,” Serfontein said at the Springbok camp in Johannesburg this week.
“I’m just hoping to get some game time for the World XV and in The Rugby Championship coming up.
“I’ve had an injury over the last 5 weeks or so, but I am on the final phase of my rehabilitation, and, as a team, preparations are going well for the World XV and The Rugby Championship.”
If it was not for a long list of injuries at centre there would otherwise be a healthy clamber for selection in the Bok midfield.
However, at this stage Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer will have to base his centre selections purely on which players are not on the injured list.
Stormers tearaway Damian de Allende should make the Bok starting 15 not only because of his superb form this season, but also because he is the only fully fit recognised centre in the group.
The centre stocks have increased with inspirational captain Jean de Villiers on the cusp of playing in his 1st game following a miraculous recovery from knee injury, while Jaque Fourie is also back in the Springbok fold.
Serfontein said although the battle for a World Cup berth would be fierce, it would ultimately be to the benefit of the side.
“There are a lot of centres in the group which makes for a lot of competition with Jean de Villiers and Jaque Fourie back,” Serfontein said.
“I think it is good for the team to have so many guys. It adds a lot of depth to the team and it also gets the best out of all of us.
“Having them in the squad and the amount of knowledge they bring to the field and the video sessions, I’ve learnt a lot from them.”
While Serfontein is the incumbent Springbok outside centre, he still prefers playing on the inside where South Africa has a wealth of depth.
“I still prefer 12 as my 1st choice, but last year they picked me at 13 for the Boks and I was happy just to be in the team,” he said.
“Anywhere I can contribute to the team. I don’t mind playing wing, hooker or anything but I’m pretty comfortable with both centre positions at the moment.”