Some foodfor thought for Jantjes bashers

Ex Keo

GARETH DUNCAN watched the Lions nearly blow a 24-0 first-half lead in their 37-32 win over the Rebels in Johannesburg.

The Lions enjoyed their best start to a Super Rugby match this season as they scored two tries within 10 minutes. They built on this early momentum, adding a third try and an Elton Jantjies penalty for a comfortable 24-0 buffer.

The Rebels struck back on the stroke of half-time, which proved to be a start of an impressive comeback. In the second half, lock Hugh Pyle grabbed a brace and flyhalf James Hilgendorf scored a charged-down try to complete an unbelievable turnaround. Fullback Julian Huxley’s third conversion and a following three-pointer secured a 32-27 lead in the final quarter.

However, the Lions’ late drive into the corner via reserve flank Jaco Kriel levelled the scores. Jantjies stepped and slotted the challenging conversion, to edge his team ahead. The flyhalf then sealed a five-point win with a penalty at the death.

The 21-year-old played a match-winning performance with the boot, converting all seven of his goal attempts for a tally of 17 points. He was also key when the Lions’ attack thrived and was solid on defence. This all-round influence was evident in the opening moments of the match as the Lions were rampant from the outset.

Outside centre Waylon Murray crossed the chalk for the first try in the second minute after great interplay among the backs. An inside pass from wing Lionel Mapoe was telling during the move. Soon thereafter, flank Derick Minnie was the beneficiary from composed and patient play, finishing off a 13-phase attack out wide.

Minnie completed a double after a strong driving maul soon after the half-hour mark. Jantjies added all the extras and a penalty as the Lions led 24-7 at the break. Hooker Ged Robinson scored the Rebels’ only points in the first stanza.

The Lions were guilty of a poor defensive effort and struggled to hold on to possession in the second half, which the visitors capitalised on. The hosts slipped tackles as the Rebels’ continuity on attack put Pyle through on two occasions soon after the restart. Hilgendorf’s effort in the 63rd minute put the Melbourne side ahead for the first time in the match.

With the Rebels holding the ascendancy and a slender lead, it looked like the Lions were set for their 13th defeat of the campaign. However, Kriel powered through to hand the home team a lifeline. Jantjies then finished the job with the boot, kicking the winning points

To me it was a good performance by Janties and I do trust his one eyed critics will acknowledge this.

I have never said he doesn't have talent, but his downfall is his consitancy. He is a match winner on his good days, and a match loser on his bad ones. Even Earl Rose had his fantastic games from time to time. I am not saying he is as bad as Earl, but you get my point.

Beeno

Never said he was not a good goalkicker - he definitely is - but the article did not reflect how he played for the rest and how many points he gave away in a display where people running in the channel pushed him off - with him sitting on his backside afterwards.   Go and join your friend Saffex in the Jantjies admiring stakes - a donkey derby if ever there was one. 

I dont think Jantjies is a bad as some make out. Still would like to see him in better company.

At least the Lions can score tries. Unlike us. Our backline must be the most underperformaing backline  - attackwise - in the competition. Could it be that because we have 4 undersized guys in Duvenage, De Jongh Aplon and Pietersen we lack clout. Can break tackles etc That and the hapless coaching efforts of Alistair and Fleckie.

jantjies issue is not a skills or talent issue more a mental issue. he is sorry to say not on song week in and week out. sometimes he plays a blinder but for the most part he is only there to make up the numbers. he offers al lot on attack and defence and has great hand speed and speed and width on his passes. if goosen was born in another area i would have said pick jantjies by all means but he will always play second fiddle to goosen in my view for the number 10 jersey. lambie by the same token also sometimes blows hot and cold and at the top level one can really afford a "off day" at the office.

The die is not cast at 21 surely. For  a 21 year old he is a good player. One has to wait to see a more mature product.

Goosen I agree on the form shown thus far is unusual and seems to have a remarkably cool head on his shoulders and right now is leading the pack - no question about that. But bback ups are needed as well. Lambie may end up at 15. Pollard has still a heck of a lot to prove. Cant equate junior rugby to Super comp.

Wonder what a super 15 side like Lions or Cheetahs would put on an Under 21 side? Be interesting actually for baby boks to have a game against a super rugby side.