RWC: Out with old Bok and in with the new

For Serfontein, it was surreal to shake hands with de Villiers in Newcastle. Photo / Supplied

There was a symbolic "baton change" outside the Springbok hotel yesterday when the taxi delivering fresh new recruit Jan Serfontein arrived just as battle-scarred veteran Jean de Villiers was packing his suitcases into the vehicle taking him to the airport.

The young and old embraced, shook hands and the 34-year-old de Villiers, his international career now over, told the 22-year-old Serfontein that fate had rolled the dice and it was out with the old and in with the new.

"It was a special moment to see Jean as I arrived and he told me to make the most of the opportunity and to bust a gut for the Boks," said Serfontein, who started every test in 2014 and on eight occasions was paired with de Villiers in the midfield (with the youngster at 13).

But in 2015, Serfontein has become something of a forgotten centre following the emergence of Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel. When Serfontein was left out of the original 31-man World Cup squad, there was barely a ripple of inquiry as to what had become of him.

For Serfontein, it was surreal to be just about teleported from watching the Boks v Samoa match on TV at his home in Pretoria to shaking hands with de Villiers in Newcastle about 24 hours later.

"I had watched the Boks, just like any other supporter, and was thrilled how they bounced back after that sad defeat to Japan, and then when I was watching the England-Wales game later that evening my phone rang ...

"I was surprised to hear coach Heyneke [Meyer] on the other end of the line," Serfontein admitted. "He said Jean was injured and that he was considering picking me but he would only confirm it on Sunday.

"I couldn't sleep that night and got the news in the morning. It has been a bit crazy but I'm obviously thrilled to be here now and will do everything I can to contribute."

Serfontein has played 21 tests and will not be overawed if he suddenly finds himself in the starting line-up at 12. It could well happen because Damian de Allende has a knee ligament strain and while he could play at a push, he could well exacerbate the injury.

That could mean the Boks having Handre Pollard, the 2014 IRB Junior Player of the Year, next to Serfontein, the 2012 IRB Junior Player of the Year, and 20-year-old Jesse Kriel at 13.

Serfontein said he was devastated to miss out on initial selection.

"It has been a difficult season. I had a couple of injuries, which didn't help, at vital times in the season and Jesse did very well and got his chance. I can't complain. Life gives you a few curveballs, and you have to adapt. Look at what has happened to Jean in World Cups. And his bad luck has suddenly revived my career. That is rugby, that is life ...

"Only the best guys can be on the field and when you find it is not you out there, it makes you train harder to get into the team."

- Independent News, SA