Stormers scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies was the most outstanding South African player on show in the first round of the Vodacom Super Rugby tournament, writes JON CARDINELLI.

The Stormers forwards dominated their Hurricanes counterparts at Newlands on Saturday. Jantjies and halfback partner Damian Willemse made expert use of that platform, though, and ensured that the team obtained significant rewards in the shape of territory and point-scoring chances.

The World Cup-winning scrumhalf was largely responsible for the Stormers’ first try. From the base of the ruck, Jantjies spotted an unmarked Sergeal Petersen out on the right wing. The accuracy of the ensuing cross-kick enabled to Petersen to dot down without any fuss.

The Stormers defence has placed opponents on the back foot in recent matches. In the preseason fixture against the Sharks, Louis Schreuder was forced to track back well behind the gainline and throw a flat pass. On that occasion, Jantjies’ anticipation was spot on as he made the interception and sprinted away to score.

Jantjies was at it again in the Stormers’ opening Super Rugby match against the Hurricanes. The New Zealanders battled to live with the Stormers at the gainline yet continue to persist with a series of flat passes. Jantjies was awake to an opportunity in the first half when he scooped up a bouncing ball and rounded the posts.

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