Herschel Jantjies: Conor Murray 'one of the best'

Stormers scrum-half Herschel Jantjies rates Conor Murray as "one of the best" and is looking forward to taking on the Munster man in Saturday's BKT URC final.

Provided both are selected on Friday lunch-time, the Springbok and Ireland internationals will go head-to-head in Cape Town with a URC title on the line - a second in two seasons for the South Africans or a first trophy in 12 years for the Irish side.

It may also serve as a teaser for a potential World Cup match-up with Andy Farrell's Six Nations champs facing the Webb Ellis holders in Paris on 23 September in Pool B.

After losing his place in the Munster team earlier this season, 34-year-old Murray, who has 105 Ireland and nine Lions caps, has returned to form over the past three months and played a huge role in Ireland's Grand Slam.

"It is going to be a nice challenge playing against Conor Murray, as you want to play against the best and he is one of the best," said Jantjies, who made his international debut in the summer of 2019 and has won 22 South Africa caps.

"You don't really play one on one in your positions, so sometimes it is wrong to say it is you against him.

"He's played more than 100 games for his country. He's an experienced player and he's definitely someone I can learn from."

Like Murray, Jantjies has enjoyed a stellar end of season, starring in their play-off wins against the Bulls and Connacht, and a return to form following an inconsistent spell after the Covid-19 pandemic.

"You don’t wake up one morning and decide 'Okay now I am going to have a bad season'," said the 27-year-old.

"It is something that just happens, but hard work gets that right and that is what I have done.

"A professional player has to constantly work on his game in order to improve and