The England rugby team is set to welcome a new player into their ranks, with Benhard Janse van Rensburg, a powerful and deft centre, on the cusp of an immediate call-up. Born in South Africa, Janse van Rensburg has been given special dispensation to join the team, adding extra impetus to their backline for the challenging summer Tests. This decision comes as a result of the team's poor performance in the Six Nations, with four defeats in five games. The team's head coach, Steve Borthwick, is under pressure to improve results and change the team's style of play.
Janse van Rensburg, who has been playing for Bristol Bears, has been on Borthwick's radar for some time. With a nice blend of power, good hands, and game intelligence, he has been one of the most influential midfielders in the Prem over the past five years. His first England experience could be in a non-cap game against France XV in Vannes on June 19, provided Bristol Bears are not in the Gallagher Prem final the following day. However, he cannot play against the Springboks in Johannesburg on July 4, but he could make his England Test debut against Fiji at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium the following weekend.
The player's eligibility has been a point of contention, as he was captured by South Africa after a 21-minute appearance off the bench in the 2016 Under-20 World Championship. The RFU had to lobby World Rugby for special dispensation to secure his eligibility, arguing that his appearance was too insignificant to bind him to South Africa for his whole career. The eligibility regulations at the time were a mess, with changes made three times between 2012 and 2018.
Janse van Rensburg's addition to the team is a significant development, as it provides Borthwick with an opportunity to improve the team's midfield options. The team has been chopping and changing personnel during the Six Nations, and Janse van Rensburg's experience and influence could be a game-changer. The team's wing options will also improve with the return of Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and the try-scoring prowess of Noah Caluori.
In the second row, Martin’s power and aggression have been sorely missed. It would change the character of England’s pack if Borthwick could pair the Saracens-bound lock with Maro Itoje in the second row and Ollie Chessum at blindside flanker. Arthur Clarke, the Gloucester lock, will remain in the mix after training with England through the Six Nations. The team's lineout and mauling game improved at a stroke when Chessum was switched to the back row for the last game of the Six Nations, against France in Paris.
Overall, Janse van Rensburg's call-up is a significant development for the England rugby team, providing them with an opportunity to improve their performance and change their style of play. His experience and influence could be a game-changer, and his addition to the team is a welcome development for the team's future success.
