Leinster lock Jason Jenkins has earned a warranted call-up to the South African National Rugby squad for the first time in four years, replacing the injury-riddled RG Snyman in the upcoming Autumn International Series.
The Leinster second-row has enjoyed a brilliant start to his 2022-23 URC season since arriving in Dublin 4, scoring two tries and has rightfully earned his place in the South African squad. It doesn't hurt that the Leinster and former Munster lock this autumn would have an intimate knowledge of the Irish players South Africa will be squaring off with in just over a week.
Having played in Munster and currently playing at Leinster, Jenkins knows the Leinster (and therefore Irish) system very well. His insight could be crucial in calculating a way to stop Ireland.
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Jason Jenkins' form this season
There can be no questioning Jenkins' form this season. The 27-year-old has scored two tries in his five appearances this season, putting in some impressive performances, notably against Munster last weekend. Following a tricky spell at Munster, Jenkins is playing some great Rugby and is fully deserving of his South Africa call-up.
Head coach Jacques Nienaber has explained the Leinster player's recent selection, saying
“He has got one cap for South Africa and that was the first Test match that Rassie was head coach for in 2018 against Wales in Washington. Then after that Jason went abroad and I just think he had a bad run. Last year for Munster he played ten games, he only started 20 per cent of the games, he had a lot of injuries and stuff that he had to get through but I mean this year he played five games now for Leinster and he is playing good rugby, he is playing consistently, starting games, finishing games, scored two great tries. So yeah, he is really playing good rugby.”
Sprinkboks Twitter was delighted with the call up.
Jason Jenkins will be a nice add-on to the Bomb Squad. Our sincere thank you to Leinster.
— Rágnár Ván Töndérsön (@Slipcatch) October 28, 2022
Jason Jenkins is in the Bok Squad!! JASON JENKINS IS IN THE BOK SQUAD
— (Sp🎃🎃ky) A-P (@rugby_ap) October 28, 2022
Always debate over selections but 1 of the most exciting selections in my opinion is Jason Jenkins, this could be a real opportunity to kick start his Test career, perfect mould for a Springbok forward, hope he gets a bit of a run at it #Springboks
— Graeme Peacock (@graemepeacock05) October 28, 2022
Jenkins is part of a 35-man, strong South African squad named for their upcoming Northern Hemisphere tour, with Cheslin Kolbe set to make his return this autumn. Siya Kolisi will captain the squad, and will be joined on the flanks by 2019 World Player of the Year Pieter-Steph du Toit.
Roll on next Saturday.
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