Western Province scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies says he is enjoying every minute of his first season of Currie Cup rugby. DYLAN JACK reports.

A Province boy through and through, Jantjies came through the WP Academy, playing at U19, U21 and Rugby Challenge levels for the side.

The 21-year-old product of Paul Roos says the style of rugby that Province has played this year has suited him as he looks to make the step to senior professional rugby.

‘It has been a privilege to be involved in my first Currie Cup season,’ Jantjies said. ‘We are a team that wants to play and throw the ball around a bit. It is always nice to play with the ball and score good tries.

‘A team that attacks is usually a team that gets lucky. I enjoy that rugby especially if I can run good support lines. I have a lot to learn but I am enjoying it.’

Jantjies is one of three younger scrumhalves in the Province squad along with Paul de Wet and Justin Phillips, but he says that all three have ambitions for a place in the Stormers’ Super Rugby squad.

‘It is my goal to play Super Rugby. We have great competition here, any one of the other guys can play. It all depends on what the coaches want on the day. All three of us will push each other hard for that starting spot.’

Jantjies added that having an older head in veteran Jano Vermaak has helped the younger scrumhalves to jump to Currie Cup rugby.

‘It is awesome. I have learned a lot from Jano in such a short space of time. It is great having a guy like him in the squad for the energy and the wisdom that he brings helps a lot. You can go to him any time and ask him something. He is always willing to help you.’

Photo: Shaun Roy/Gallo Images