Irish must be sharp, says Van Rensburg

PUTTING a kitchen accident to one side, Benhard Janse van Rensburg has always put his best foot forward for London Irish this season and the South African intends to do so again against Saracens. 

- JON NEWCOMBE

No back had played as many minutes as him in the Premiership heading into this weekend and the time on the field has always been well spent.

Whether it is running and tackling hard, performing try assists or even climbing high in the lineout as a makeshift lock, the 26-year-old has certainly earnt his money.

It was the same last season, his first at the club, when he made 29 appearances. So what’s the secret behind his durability?

“I’ve tried not to step on any knives, that’s the only thing that keeps me out of games,” he joked, referencing the foot injury that meant he missed the home game against Newcastle.

“It was really tough telling the coach, right after the Captain’s Run, ‘I don’t know if I am going to be able to play tomorrow’. I think I needed five or six stitches.”

After that Les Kiss of death, Janse van Rensburg has avoided any further mishaps and forged a very effective midfield partnership with Rory Jennings.

“I’ve really enjoy playing with Jenno, in the midfield, these last few games,” he said. “He puts his body on the line every game, and he is someone I enjoy playing with. He is a good ball player as well, being a fly-half.”