Boks to surprise with Jantjies at scrumhalf?

Cape Town - Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus could make a surprise selection at scrumhalf for next month’s Rugby Championship clash against Australia in Johannesburg.

Afrikaans newspaper Rapport indicated on Sunday that Stormers scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies could get a national call-up.

The 23-year-old Jantjies has been a standout performer for the Stormers this season and looks set to be rewarded.

The report added that Jantjies is currently preferred to the Bulls scrumhalf duo of Embrose Papier and Ivan van Zyl, who made their Springbok debuts last season.

Jantjies may even start against the Wallabies on July 20, with the report adding that incumbent scrumhalf Faf de Klerk will only be considered for the Test against the All Blacks in Wellington on July 27.

England-based Cobus Reinach (Northampton Saints) and Francois Hougaard (Worceser Warriors), are reportedly also part of the discussion.

The report added that French-based centre Frans Steyn could also face the Wallabies, with regular midfielder Damian de Allende rested. The 32-year-old Steyn played the last of his 56 Tests in 2017.

The Boks will conclude their campaign in a shortened Rugby Championship against Argentina in Salta on August 10.

Before the World Cup, South Africa will also play an additional international against Los Pumas in Pretoria on August 17.

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