Rugby union news: Springbok legends back Northampton Saints star JJ van der Mescht for call-up amid lock crisis
Former Springbok Hanyani Shimange chatted alongside Springbok legends Jean de Villiers and Schalk Burger on their Boks Unpacked podcast about the prospect of Northampton Saints lock JJ van der Mescht potentially joining Rassie Erasmus’ ranks.
Van der Mescht has been making significant waves in the Gallagher Premiership recently, with the mammoth lock touted as a viable option for Erasmus to select due to his dominant play and potential for development at just 26 years of age.
Discussions surrounding the Saints second row also comes in the wake of a lock crisis for Springboks - who recently suffered significant blows in the form of veteran internationals Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman.
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Van der Mescht’s potential impact
“Our options at lock are looking a bit thin and then you also have to consider the age of some of our locks,” Shimange said on the podcast.
“I think they will now start looking a bit deeper at the available options.”
De Villiers chimed in, commenting on the potential of the experienced Jean Kleyn to take up the enforcer mantle in Etzebeth’s absence.
“Then there is also Jean Kleyn at Munster,” the former Bok centre said. “The question is whether he is still part of the Bok plans.”
Bar injury, Kleyn has been a mainstay in Erasmus’ wider squad to fill in if injury troubles crept into his side.
The Munster man has suffered his fair share of injuries though, leaving the door wide open for a young and hungry Van der Mescht to enter the world stage.
In Erasmus’ most recent extended squad selection, Van der Mescht was asked to take part in a virtual alignment camp - indicative of his strong domestic performances drawing the Springbok coaches’ attention.
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