Jantjies cleared for Newlands return
The return of Springbok Elton Jantjies is one of seven changes to the Golden Lions team for the Currie Cup semifinal showdown with Western Province at Newlands on Saturday.
The 23-year-old, who has been sidelined with ankle injury since late last month, was cleared on Thursday to take his place for his first return to the iconic Newlands stadium since he played for the Stormers in Super Rugby this year.
Jantjies, capped twice by the Boks last year, was courted by the Stormers for a permanent move to Cape Town.
However, last month he resigned for another two years with the Johannesburg-based franchise – who has since regained their Super Rugby status.
In the forwards another Bok, prop CJ van der Linde, also returns to the starting XV at loosehead. He displaces Jacques van Rooyen.
On the other side of the scrum Ruan Dreyer is also called up to the starting XV, ahead of Julian .
Jaco Kriel returns at flank, with Warwick Tecklenburg missing out on a starting spot.
There is also some bad news, with first-choice scrumhalf Michael Bondesio having failed a fitness test. Ross Cronje will start in the No.9 jersey.
With Jantjies coming in at flyhalf, Marnitz Boshoff moves to fullback and Chrysander Botha switches to wing – with Deon Helberg dropping out of the matchday 22.
Coach Johan Ackerman has opted for a forward-heavy (five-two split) replacement bench – an entire front row in Robbie Coetzee, Jacques van Rooyen and Julian Redelinghuys, with Willie Britz (lock and flank) and Warwick Tecklenburg covering the middle and back rows.
Tian Meyer and Robert de Bruyn will provide backline cover.
Golden Lions: 15 Marnitz Boshoff, 14 Chrysander Botha, 13 Lionel Mapoe, 12 Andries Coetzee, 11 Anthony Volmink, 10 Elton Jantjies, 9 Ross Cronje, 8 Warren Whiteley, 7 Derick Minnie (captain), 6 Jaco Kriel, 5 Franco van der Merwe, 4 Chris van Zyl, 3 Ruan Dreyer, 2 Willie Wepener, 1 CJ van der Linde.
Replacements: 16 Robbie Coetzee, 17 Jacques van Rooyen, 18 Julian Redelinghuys, 19 Willie Britz, 20 Warwick Tecklenburg, 21 Tian Meyer, 22 Robert de Bruyn.
Date: Saturday, October 19
Venue: Newlands, Cape Town
Kick-off: 14.30 (12.30 GMT)
Referee: Marius Jonker
Assistant Referees: Jason Jaftha, Marc van Zyl
TMO: Shaun Veldsman
