AUDIO: Teammates endorse Jantjies' return
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Lions players believe that Springbok flyhalf Elton Jantjies’ presence will be vital when they play the Hurricanes in a Round 17 Super Rugby match in Johannesburg on Saturday.
Jantjies did not feature during the Lions’ 41-22 Super Rugby Round 16 victory over the Stormers after being dropped for breaching team protocol.
It has been reported that there was a spat between the flyhalf and some of his Lions teammates.
Nonetheless, it seems like all is forgiven following the Springbok’s apology to management and teammates.
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Lions Rugby Company CEO Rudolf Straeuli confirmed to @rugby365com that the Lions star will be available for selection after they had a ‘clear the air’ meeting on Monday.
With Jantjies’ potential return in the starting XV, it means that the 23-year-old Shaun Reynolds will have to take a spot on the bench.
Despite Reynolds’ impressive performance during the crucial win over the Stormers last weekend, Lions flank Marnus Schoeman admitted that Janjties’ experience is needed against John Plumtree’s Hurricanes.
“It’s always good to have Elton back,” Schoeman stated, adding: “He’s a senior player and has a big personality so his leadership is important.
“You can’t buy experience so we will feed off anything Elton gives us.
“I think it’s just brilliant having him back,”
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Lions flank Vincent Tshituka is also happy with the Bok flyhalf’s return and shared Schoeman’s sentiments.
“Elton is a great leader, not only on-field but off-field as well,” Tshituka said.
“It’s always good to learn from someone that’s been in the game for such a long time and I think he has always been a pinnacle part of the team whether his actually on the field or not.
“He will always share his knowledge, we always learn from each other at this union so it’s good to have him back,”
By Josh Isaacson
@isaacson_j
@rugby365com
