‘Give Elton his Test chance’
25 Sep 2012
Golden Lions coach Johan Ackermann says flyhalf Elton Jantjies deserves a fair opportunity with the Springboks.
This is the 22-year-old pivot’s fourth Bok call-up since 2010, but he is yet to make his official Test debut.
Jantjies was included in Heyneke Meyer’s squad for the June Test series against England and the opening Rugby Championship Test against Argentina, but was dropped following the fixture in Cape Town as Pat Lambie and Johan Goosen provided back-up for Morne Steyn during the tours to South America and Australasia.
The reactions from pundits and on social networks have varied, with some believing Jantjies’ Super Rugby and Currie Cup form in recent seasons proves he’s capable of excelling at the highest level, while others argue he’s just not Test quality.
However, Ackermann believes he has the ability to make an impact on the international scene.
‘Every flyhalf has his weaknesses and strengths. In terms of the total package, Elton has what it takes to make things happen for the Springboks,’ Ackermann told keo.co.za. ‘I really hope Elton gets some game time over the next two Tests – the only way he’s going to prove himself is on the field.
‘I’d rather have him playing with the Lions in the Currie Cup if he’s not going to be used.’
Ackermann added that Jantjies’ confidence has taken a hit because of the lack of faith in him at Test level.
‘One week, he’s seen as the second choice behind Morne Steyn. Then suddenly, he’s dropped, without getting a run.
‘This had a negative effect on the player. But I kept him motivated when he returned to the Lions. I told him to keep focusing on his game, hold on to his confidence and remain consistent. He’s done that and he’s been the in-form flyhalf in the Currie Cup. He deserves his Test chance.
‘Heyneke should go with the two young flyhalves [Goosen and Jantjies] against the Wallabies and All Blacks. Morne is struggling and needs a mental break from rugby. Johan should start as he’s been in the squad in recent weeks, and Elton can come off the bench.’
Meanwhile, the Lions have also lost prop CJ van der Linde and fullback Jaco Taute to Bok duty.
Ackermann believes 21-year-old Taute could be pushed straight into the mix.
‘He’s the kind of the player the Springboks need,’ said Ackermann. ‘He motivates the players around him. He’s big and strong, and makes an impact whenever he gets the ball.
‘He’s returned from injury two weeks ago, so he shouldn’t start. But he’ll be a great option on the bench as he can play most positions in the backline – from inside centre to fullback.’
By Gareth Duncan
60 Comments
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25 Sep 2012, 11:08 am
@Big Hit-46:
at last, a non-emotional blogger who sees the picture clearly.
hm needs only one thing from his flyhalf – the ability to kick accurately – be it an upnunder, touch or goal kick.
hm does not need sleight of hand, shimmies or any such quade cooperish razzle-dazzle.
all he wants is field position.
25 Sep 2012, 11:16 am
@charo-51: ja, and we wonder why we draw with the likes of argentina
25 Sep 2012, 11:19 am
basically goosen and elton will get extended runs on the eoyt.
they will each get a shot at credible but still beatable opposition and we’ll take it from there.
morne will be with us for many years so its a question of organising the hierarchy pyramid, that’s all.
25 Sep 2012, 11:47 am
Mornes major weakness is his inability to actually run the game, which makes me wonder if HMs persistence with him is due to his belief that FdP will return to take that role.
25 Sep 2012, 12:09 pm
@katman-48: Sheesh. That’s a bit harsh!
Funny though.
Which is really the most important thing…
25 Sep 2012, 12:35 pm
Elton has been the real victim this year
25 Sep 2012, 12:37 pm
@David-54:
He did well to run the Bulls to two superrugby titles, with them being the top try scorers each time (Frans Ludeke was the coach by the way, not Meyer as some dellusional Bulls fans seem to think), or our u21′s to a WC in 2005. No boet, the problem with MS is HM… Meyer is doing him no favour either by keeping him in the team when he’s clearly outta form.
Instead of being remembered as the man who starred in SA’s win over the Lions, the pivot who was part of the team that holds the record score in a superrugby final, or the only FH to have beaten the ABs three times since readmission… He will be remembered for the kak he’s delivered in 2012, thanks to Meyer.
25 Sep 2012, 13:09 pm
I don’t see Elton taking any part this weekend; possibly some game time looms in Soweto for him…
I sure hope that I’m wrong but I can’t help thinking that this whole business of “selecting” him for the Springbok team is in an attempt to stop the rampant Lions from running away with the Currie Cup; that just wouldn’t look good for SA Rugby, would it now?
Elton has been playing so well & I really do feel for the kid at the moment.
25 Sep 2012, 14:11 pm
@BrumbiesBoy-58: @<a
That actually makes a lot of sense as I can't see him being part of the 22 and if he's not part of the 22 why is he being taken away from the Lions?
HM is just very sinister and can't be trusted
25 Sep 2012, 14:23 pm
@papaown-59: Was thinking along very similar lines with Jaco Taute also, although in HM’s favour Taute was injured before.
Taute will “understudy” Zane @ Loftus.
Hahahaha
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