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Cape Town – Sharks fullback Stefan Terblanche has put South Africa’s national selectors on notice that he’s available for the Springboks. Terblanche, 33, is set to wear the Sharks’ No 15 jersey when they play the Stormers in their first Super14 match of their campaign at Newlands this year.
It could either be a battle with South Africa’s current first-choice in the No 15 jersey, Conrad Jantjes, or Terblanche’s fellow veteran fullback, Percy Montgomery.
Montgomery played in the Stormers’ two warm-up games against Saracens and Boland while Jantjes was recovering from a groin injury.
Jantjes will, however, be considered for the starting line-up this week, though there is an outside chance it may be on the wing in place of the injured Sireli Naqelevuki.
Terblanche was outstanding in last year’s Currie Cup and even went so far as to beat Bok flyer Bryan Habana on his outside once.
“I am fortunate that I have not suffered serious injuries during my career. I enjoy the physical aspect and staying fit,” said Terblanche.
“Any player would like to play against the British and Irish Lions. If the selectors feel I’m good enough, I definitely won’t turn down the opportunity. It will be wonderful if it happens, but I won’t break my head over it. The opportunity may also be there to play for the Sharks against the Lions.”
Terblanche left South Africa in 2003 to join the Ospreys in Wales. He also last played for the Boks in 2003. He has played 37 tests altogether, scoring 19 tries. The former wing played at the Sharks again for six weeks in 2007 and decided with his wife that they wanted raise their children in South Africa.
Terblanche still believes he can make a contribution at national level.
“Every player thinks he can make a contribution. The game is getting faster and you have to manage yourself well,” he said.
“What I do find in South Africa is that because we have so much talent people tend to write players off very easily. You hear very quickly that you are too old, but if you manage yourself well you can keep going until 34 or 35.
“Monty is an excellent example of how to manage yourself. His record speaks for itself. Conrad did very well last year and is the guy in the saddle, and I will have to lift my game, no matter which one of them I face.”
