Boks set to unleash Jantjies combo against Wallabies

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT: Springbok backs coach Mzwandile Stick is excited at the prospect of Elton Jantjies and Herschel Jantjies teaming up as the halfback combination when South Africa play Australia in their Rugby Championship opener in Johannesburg on Saturday.

The Springboks starting team for the game will be announced on Wednesday and there has been a lot of talk about an experimental side playing in the opening round and the first-choice players facing the All Blacks in Round Two

Elton already has 33 Test caps to his name. However, Herschel is in line to make his test debut for the Boks should he start on Saturday.

The 23-year-old forced his way into the Springboks Rugby Championship squad after an impressive Super Rugby season for the Stormers, which saw him contribute with five tries, 12 try assists and 69 tackles out of an attempted 83 tackles.

Both Elton and Herschel are extremely talented players who enjoy running with ball in hand and creating space for players around them.

Speaking to reporters at the team hotel in Johannesburg on Tuesday, Stick said that he believes the two players complement each other with Elton bringing experience to the team while Herschel brings the youth and an element of surprise.

“If you talk about combinations it is something new for them, but if you look at the style of play both players are playing I think they will complement one another,” said Stick.

“Herschel Jantjies has got a good service and we know on a good day Elton Jantjies can really destroy teams when he is getting front-foot ball, so that is something that will be a balance between their strengths,” added Stick.

Stick further explained that there is plenty of depth to cover flyhalf in the squad and should 2007 Rugby World Cup winner Francois Steyn, who last played for the Boks in 2017, be called on to wear the No.10 jersey against the Wallabies on Saturday, Stick has no doubt that the 32-year-old will do a fine job.

“I think if they [Herschel and Elton] get an opportunity this week they should be able to give us a solid game.

“Elton is one of the experienced guys in our squad, so if we play him or we play Francois Steyn I think both of those players have what it takes to deliver on the day and make sure that they support the youngster,” commented Stick.