Elton Jantjies recalled to Boks squad. Image: @LionsRugbyCo
Springboks lucky to have a player like Jantjies, says Nienaber
A spate of injuries in key positions has forced the Springboks to recall Elton Jantjies, who last played for the national team in 2022.
Elton Jantjies recalled to Boks squad. Image: @LionsRugbyCo
Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber and Rassie Erasmus have highlighted the importance of having Elton Jantjies in the squad as they prepare for the upcoming Rugby Championship.
The 32-year-old former Lions flyhalf, was out of the picture when it comes to Boks selection but now find himself in the squad and raring to go.
Jantjies has so far earned 46 caps for his country but played his last Test against Australia in August last year.
“With the two injuries that we had last week, we only had Manie (Libbok) standing in as the flyhalf, Nienaber said.
Jantjies gets another chance with the Boks
“He is close to 50 Test matches, and he has been in our environment. It is nice to get him in the mix for the two injured guys. In a week or two’s time, we can have all four of them,” said Springboks coach.
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“Elton is probably our fourth choice flyhalf. We are lucky in terms of depth to have a guy of his standard as a fourth choice.”
Rassie Erasmus said Jantjies brought a lot of experience to the squad.
“In 2020, Elton was chosen as South Africa’s Super Rugby Player of the Decade. With a player that has been with us like Kwagga (Smith) or Pieter-Steph du Toit, it is easy to evaluate those guys because you know them. You can (easily) look at his actions, his fitness, and how he is doing,” said Erasmus.
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“We don’t want Handre and Damian to be forced into a corner to be ready for the first Test; not when you have a guy that is sitting on 47 Tests, who just recently won the All Blacks game for us, and who started for us last year against Australia. There are not a lot of things that he must learn. It comes down to his input regarding the younger players as well .
“He deserves a chance,” Erasmus said.
The Springboks’ first Test of the year is against Australia at Loftus Versfeld on 8 July.
