Lions fly-half Elton Jantjies has set the Super Rugby scene alight with consistent stellar performances week after week against tough opposition.
The 25-year-old pivot has been instrumental in all of their matches which include wins over 2013 champions the Chiefs in Hamilton in Round Two as well as a victory in Durban over the Sharks on Saturday.
The 25-year-old pivot has been instrumental in all of their matches which include wins over 2013 champions the Chiefs in Hamilton in Round Two as well as a victory in Durban over the Sharks on Saturday.
Amidst his consistent fine form over the past few seasons, the number ten has only made two appearances for the Springboks, in 2012, after he was overlooked by the two former head coaches – Pieter de Villiers and Heyneke Meyer.
Meyer, who resigned at the end of 2015, opted for the experienced Morne Steyn in his World Cup squad last year, with the new Springbok announced on Tuesday – Jantjies is the favourite to get first choice at the fly-half position.
Even with Handre Pollard and Patrick Lambie out for the season the former Stormers player has proven his mettle over the past few seasons, the injuries to the two preferred fly-halves however should make way for Jantjies.
Sharks director of rugby, Gary Gold believes that it is a no brainer for the incoming national coach to hand Jantjies the number ten jersey.
"I think he’s more than deserving of that position," Gold told Sport24.
"Obviously at the moment Pat and Handre are out, which is not great from a Springbok point of view, but there’s no way that Elton Jantjies is going to let you down in a Springbok jersey.
"I think he’s cool, calm, composed, he kicks his goals, he runs the show well – I think he’s outstanding."
The Sharks are latest scalp claimed by Johann Ackermann's men, the 2014 South African Conference winners were outclassed by the visitors 24-9.
"A guy like Elton was outstanding tonight," Gold told reporters after the match.
He played really well and controlled the game nicely.
"We’re very disappointed in the result and that we didn’t take our opportunities."
Meyer, who resigned at the end of 2015, opted for the experienced Morne Steyn in his World Cup squad last year, with the new Springbok announced on Tuesday – Jantjies is the favourite to get first choice at the fly-half position.
Even with Handre Pollard and Patrick Lambie out for the season the former Stormers player has proven his mettle over the past few seasons, the injuries to the two preferred fly-halves however should make way for Jantjies.
Sharks director of rugby, Gary Gold believes that it is a no brainer for the incoming national coach to hand Jantjies the number ten jersey.
"I think he’s more than deserving of that position," Gold told Sport24.
"Obviously at the moment Pat and Handre are out, which is not great from a Springbok point of view, but there’s no way that Elton Jantjies is going to let you down in a Springbok jersey.
"I think he’s cool, calm, composed, he kicks his goals, he runs the show well – I think he’s outstanding."
The Sharks are latest scalp claimed by Johann Ackermann's men, the 2014 South African Conference winners were outclassed by the visitors 24-9.
"A guy like Elton was outstanding tonight," Gold told reporters after the match.
He played really well and controlled the game nicely.
"We’re very disappointed in the result and that we didn’t take our opportunities."
By: Farai Diza
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