JJ van der Mescht believes his move to Northampton could put him on the Springbok radar, and he’s using Juarno Augustus as the blueprint.
The former Junior Boks lock has rediscovered his momentum since joining the English Premiership club from Stade Francais, where his size, presence and raw power have already drawn comparisons to Wallabies enforcer Will Skelton.
Now, the towering No 4 lock hopes his resurgence will earn him favour from Bok coach Rassie Erasmus.
The 26-year-old believes Northampton’s environment – and their track record of elevating South Africans – is the perfect platform.
“Saints want their players to achieve greater things. Like with Trokkie,” says Van der Mescht told Netwerk24. “It’s one of the reasons I came to Saints.
ALSO: Trokkie’s big move fuels Bok ambition
“He [Augustus] played in South Africa, moved to Saints, worked hard and got the opportunity at the Boks. It’s a pity he got injured, but he was still noticed.
“Maybe the Bok selectors are now looking more at the English Premiership than at the [French] Top 14.”
The post JJ following Trokkie’s tracks to Bok destination appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
