South African Rugby
Jantjes eyes playing return
Scrum.com
August 26, 2009
The Stormers' Conrad Jantjes receives treatment after breaking his leg, Stormers v Chiefs, Super 14, Newlands, South Africa, May 2, 2009
Jantjes receives treatment after breaking his leg while on duty for the Stormers in this year's Super 14 © Getty Images
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South Africa fullback Conrad Jantjes is looking forward to the rigours of pre-season as he continues his battle back from a horrific leg injury.

The Stormers' No.15 broke his leg during his side's Super 14 clash with the Chiefs in May and as a result missed out on the memorable series victory over the British & Irish Lions. He will also miss the Springboks push for the 2009 Tri-Nations crown but is confident of a return to action in the New Year.

"I have not seen the incident again, but I was the star in my own movie that night," he told Die Burger when asked what he remembered of the clash with the Chiefs' Liam Messam that curtailed his season.

"When they were strapping my leg, my ankle appeared to be lying flat on the ground. It was a rotational break and is quite common among footballers. I drew inspiration from players such as Djibril Cisse and Eduardo."

The 28-yeaar-old, who has 24 international caps to his name, had to watch from the sidelines as the Springboks accounted for the Lions 2-1 and he admits that it was a bitter pill to swallow.

"When I watched the Lions' arrival, it really hit me. I took one or two days to throw my toys, but got over it and moved on. The positive thing is that, for the first time in my life, I have an answer for my friends when they ask what I will be doing in three weeks' time.

"Normally you go from two crutches to one before you start walking, but I went straight from two crutches to walking. I started crying after about 10 to 15 steps."

Jantjes is in no rush to get back to playing and wants to take his recovery period one step at a time with a return to international colours far from his mind.

"I don't look that far ahead," he added. "Hopefully I can have a good pre-season and steadily get involved with the Stormers. My goal is to get back to 100% and only I will know when I am there. It's going to be a long road back."

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