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'I know how': Jake White eyes Test return and plots Springboks' downfall
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Phil Dowson's message to Rassie Erasmus and the Springbok coaches
By Neil Fissler
Northampton Saints boss Phil Dowson hopes that lock JJ van der Mescht gets his chance to win a Springbok cap this summer as a reward for an outstanding first season at Franklin’s Gardens.
The 26-year-old has been a revelation since arriving from Stade Français in the summer and has been rewarded by being invited to the South Africa virtual alignment camp for overseas-based players.
The 23-stone Van der Mescht represented South Africa Under-20s but is yet to find a senior cap. That could change this summer with the back-to-back World Champions set to face the Barbarians, England, Scotland and Wales.
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Dowson says he has spoken to one of Rassie Erasmus’s key lieutenants, Felix Jones, who was charged with conducting background checks on the potential new recruit.
“I’ve got a good relationship with Felix Jones, so I’d have conversations with him now and again about players around the game. He’s obviously been here with England in the past.
“And before that, when he was, I think when he was with Munster, he dropped in and had some conversations with us and is a top man.
“He was asking about JJ. I gave him my thoughts, and I think he’d spoken to Sam (Vesty) as well. South Africa are very, very diligent in terms of their background checks. They have an embarrassment of riches in South Africa.
“So, it’s obviously very, very competitive, but we know what JJ’s capable of, and we’re hopeful that he can, he can at least get an opportunity. We’re excited for him and it’s great to show his hard work bearing some fruit.
“We gave all our feedback, and I think they’ve had conversations with JJ about what he’s going after and making sure everything’s aligned, and he’s excited about it,” said Dowson.
Van der Mescht was signed to replace Fijian Drua-bound Temo Mayanavanua after impressing Dowson in a Champions Cup clash and falling out of favour with Stade boss Paul Gustard.
And Dowson admits that he wouldn’t say he is surprised by the way that Van der Mescht, who said earlier this year he wanted to win a Springbok cap, has fitted in at the club.
“I wouldn’t say surprised. I think it’s always good to get to know a player because you see what’s on the pitch. You have conversations online or in person when you get to a recruitment point of view.
“But you never know until you see somebody for four or five weeks, when you see somebody under pressure, when you see somebody who’s dealing with setbacks, you find out about them.
“I think I’ll be really impressed with JJ and how he’s gone about his work, and I still think the exciting thing is there’s so much more in his game to keep, to keep pushing on,” he added.
