Boks delay call on Jantjies

Jantjies, who fractured his finger while playing for them Lions in the Super Rugby competition, has not been involved in any contact training with the Boks – ahead of the three-Test series against Ireland.

The first Test is at Newlands in Cape Town on Saturday (June 11), followed by encounter at Ellis Park (June 18) and Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium (June 15).

Bok team doctor Conrad von Hagen told a media briefing on Monday that Jantjies will only start taking contact in training on Thursday.

However, he would not commit to whether Jantjies would be considered for selection – leaving the star playmaker on the 'doubtful' list.

The other news from the Bok camp is far more positive.

In-form lock Pieter-Steph du Toit, who injured his hamstring while playing for the Stormers, will start taking contact in training on Monday.

However, the team doctor again would not commit either way to the lock's availability for selection this week.

"Elton will take some part in some skills training, but he won’t take contact just yet," said Dr Von Hagen. "We'll see how he progresses in the week and his return to action will be done in consultation with the Lions medical team. 

"Pieter-Steph has been recovering well and he has been cleared to take part in our training sessions from Monday."

Centre Lionel Mapoe, who was not involved in training last week after picking up a slight muscle injury, will also start taking contact on Monday.

Prop Trevor Nyakane, who has been struggling with a shoulder niggle he picked up paying for the Bulls in Super Rugby, is another player who will start taking contact in training on Monday.

Coetzee will name his team, for the opening Test, only on Thursday.

By Warren Fortune

@FortuneWarren  

@rugby365com