Mallett explained that the selection is heavily influenced by the dynamics of game play rather than sheer talent. Herschel Jantjies' ability to accelerate the Bok's attack through quick ball movement seems to have clinched his spot.
"I think it’s more the speed to the breakdown and the speed with which the ball is cleared," Mallett said on the Talking Boks podcast. "It was really noticeable when Herschel Jantjies came on how quickly he got to the breakdown. The ball was away almost immediately."
Diving deeper, Mallett recalled a recent Test match against Wales where Jantjies' entry noticeably lifted the team's performance.
"The speed of our ruck increased and the rhythm of our backline improved because of the speed with which Herschel got to the ball," Mallett noted. "He’s almost the second player to the breakdown. There’s the tackler, someone trying to counter-ruck or protect the ball, and then Herschel is already there with his hands on it, getting it away and trying to attack before the opposition can set their defence."
"I’ve got a feeling that’s what Rassie means by needing ‘wheels’ – the pace to the breakdown rather than simply pace with the ball in hand," Mallett elaborated.
Beyond just his on-field agility, Jantjies also brings a mental calmness crucial for high-pressure matches, a trait that Mallett believes keeps him in high regard within the national setup.
"Herschel also has a very calm head," Mallett commented. "He’s been a leader before and he’s comfortable in both the Springbok and Stormers environments. He’s the sort of player who’ll come off the bench and never panic."
In contrast, while Mallett acknowledges Papier's individual skills, he suggests that Papier's integration into the team dynamics might not be as smooth as that of his counterparts.
"I still think the coaches probably feel that Embrose Papier is an individually very talented player, but collectively, in terms of how he combines with the rest of the team, he’s maybe just a little bit off the pace compared to the other scrumhalves," Mallett pointed out.
This selection dilemma highlights the intricate balance coaches must maintain between individual skills and team synergy, driving home the point that in team sports, the whole is often greater than the sum of its parts.
