Give Elton a test chance

Ex Keo

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.’

One thing is for sure we cannot have Morne missing penaties like this again.  Taute should make the bench. Janjtes will be on the bench if Goosen is out - Meyer will then in all likelihodd start with Steyn

Jantjes has been playing well. It was noticeable though that he was subbed right at the end and Butch brough on for his physical defence. However I am not one who believes Jantjes defence is as bad as some make out. Personally I do not think he is as talented as Goosen but better Jantjes kicking the penalties than Morne missing them. Meyer will be banking on Morne returning to form with the boot which of course could happen.

I though Stransky's comment about jantjes decision making being manufactured a bit harsh. He does do some very nice creative things well but importantly also he makes mistakes.  I suppose one will never know until he gets a shot.

Goosen however one feels has a very good temprament. What is not being said right now is tha the has a good tactical boot and can kick it  a long, long way. Early days for Goosen but he looks like a great in the making.

Beeno

I do not think that Jantjies will make the grade as a flyhalf.    The reasons are as follows:-

*   I have to agree with Stransky - an experienced flyhalf - that there is a problem with the passing game of Jantjies.   What is obvious is that Jantjies avoid contact with the opposition defenders and he himself does not attack the gain line.   He stands even further back in the pocket than Morne Steyn and passes the ball faster than Morne to avoid contact with the opposition.   His passes are 95% of the time totally ineffective and can often be described as hospital passes.   In all the recent games he gave one effective inside pass to a wing running at an angle - who scored a try for the Lions.   For the rest everything happened BEHIND the gain line.

*   Jantjies is a serious liability when it comes to defence in the channell.   He does make some effective low tackles from behind - but when he is in  face-to-face tackle situation he normally gets run over by opposing players.   At best he sometimes slows them down - but NEVER makes an effective tackle.

*   Jantjies is extremely weak when he has to cover high balls kicked at him with opposing playrs charging him.   I noticed that deficiency on three occassions in recent CC matches.   He does not even endeavour to catch the balls at all - again because of his tendency to try and avoid contact situations with opposing players all the time.

*   His other kicks are basically on par with that of Morne Steyn - too far to be really effective and setting the scene for counter-attacks by the opposition.

His main asset is his goalkicking ability and that may just be what Meyer wants from a flyhalf.    That type of play fits in neatly with Meyer's idea pertaining to backline play - and in a way he is not much different from Morne Steyn - bar for the fact that he does pass balls faster to backline players, but those passes comprise the same level of inefficiency than those of Steyn..   That is why Stranski reckoned they are manufactured - and I largely agree with him on that point.  However, I am sure that his kicking at goal would be enough to convince Meyer to select Jantjies for the bench on Saturday.

In reality I am sick of the constant harping on Jantjies as a solution to our backline problems.   I think Meyer should give him a chance to play - as that would dispell all the various ideas about him.   In my book he is bound to fail - but I would be delighted if he does not fail and come through a real test.   However, if he fails then it would or rather should be in a game where outcoime does not impact negatively on a series. 

All well and good Mike but the Lions do score a lot of tries and their backline  fires. Assuming Goosen is out Meyers problem is he doesnt know wthether Morne will implode again with his kicking - probably not given its Loftus but who knows. One thing for sure I would rather have Jantjes kicking the goals than Morne missing them.

However we forget also about Lambie - but there could be quite a storm if Lambie were picked  ahead of Jantjes. Lambie to me has the better head on his shoulders and I also think he is a better flyhalf than 15. Lambie has the kop to play 10 and kop is very very important at flyhalf.

Anyhow I think Jantjes is dismissed too easily. He has had a pretty good season on balance.

Nope....why start something that is bound to fail.

One benefit would be to rule him out if he is not up to it.  Say Goosen is out. Who do you want to play then - Lambie?

We don't have to rule him out....all those hospital passes have done that. If we want a second rate Quade Cooper....select Jantjies. This is just a bit of bleating by Ackerman who would rather have his player....and thinks he isn't going to be selected.

Start Goosen....back him up with Lambie.....or if he gets hurt....Fransie. We don't need the little tyke.

Regarding Jantjies… ive always maintained that he will excel behind a decent pack. I have much faith in him! Us Saffas don’t like players who make mistakes…

Jantiies will make mistakes, but he’ll create more opportunities in 1 game, than M Steyn, P Grant and many other will create in an entire season.

He is a game breaker with fantastic vision.

 I would still start with Goose, but Elton would be a fantastic backup!

As for Lambo… I fee for him as I fear that he may end up being another Gaffie du Toit or Brent Russell. He has all the attributes but unfortunately he hasn’t been allowed to settle down in 1 position.

It seems to be a thing at the sharks… Look at Russell, du toit, Andre Snyman, R Pienaar, W Alberts and more recently.. JP Pietersen and a few others…

They are played in 2 or 3 various positions in every season.

 clevermike you are spot on with you comments regarding Jantjies.

One more point I would make is that the SA Rugby Union has created more sub-standard Springboks in the last few years than ever before.

The guys who pull on a Springbok jersey to represent their country must be up to it and worthy of the honour....no more hand outs as in the past.

We demand and expect the BEST NOT THE REST from the green and gold.

He always sells his centers short in getting rid of the ball to avoid being tackled.

A "ROSE"  flake at best.

Agreed Flash, Jantjies is a class act in great form. These conservative clowns would probably rather stick with Morne!!

Saffex

I do know that for a long time you have supported Jantjies all out - and that is why I paid more attention to jim when he did play on CC level.   In the main I was very disappointed by his play.   The summary given above is really a comprehensive review of how Jantjies play.    I have not seen ONE case where he himself tried to attack and take the ball over the gain line.   

Through all the games I watched I noticed one thing - how  back in the pocket he stands and how quickly he gets rid of balls.   If he ever runs more than two meters - it is mostly sideways.   His passes are mostly flat - which under the circumstances is effectively hospital passes - but occassionally he also uses skip passes, but those are usually ineffective as well.   On a very few and rare occassions he uses inside passes for the wing running at an angle - in one gme out of three - this worked and a try was scored, hence my comment on the issue.  I have no doubt that Stransky has reognized what the problem is with Jantjies' passing game - hence his extremely negative comments about him.

The other two negtive aspects cannot be dismissed out of hand as well.   The attack through the channell issue became apparent during the Super 15 series as well - when on 2 occassions in one game - Bekker ran over him as if there was nobody in the way and the result was that in one case a try was scored by the Stormers.   Another incident in the same game was that whilst the Lions were attacking ten meters from the Stormer tryline Jantjies got caught with the ball and the Stormer players had no problem whatsoever in effecting a turnover.   It as one of the rare occassions that he got caught with the ball in his possession and was the result of him having to stand flatter than he normally does.   The Stormer players had no problems in taking the ball away from him and first receiver was Aplon who kicked downfield and they caught the retreating Lions player 70 meters downfield.

There is no-one more determined than myself to see the back of Morne Steyn than me - but if the replacement is Janthies the situation of jumping from the frying pan into the fire is an exact description of what will happen.   I would definitely prefer Goosen ahead of anyone else - and if they have to replace Goosen the game - the replacement shoiuld be Lambie - not Jantjies - the latter being too big a gamble.    I really believe that the All Blacks and Wallabies are looking forward to the day that they can get Jantjies as opposing flyhalf.   They would not regard it as a challenge - they would regard it as fun. 

Seriously now - have you ever looked critically at Jantjies to determie whether he is a successful flyhalf?