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Springbok flyhalf Jantjies ready to help break Australian hoodoo

By Rugby365
(Photo by Paul Devlin/SNS Group via Getty Images)

This Saturday’s Rugby Championship match against the Wallabies would serve as an ideal time for Springbok flyhalf Elton Jantjies to turn his fortunes around.

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It has been a very troubling season for Jantjies so far.

The 32-year-old had limited game time at Japanese club Red Hurricanes due to an injury, while his return to the Springbok fold was also a challenge.

He started against Wales in the first Test in July and struggled with his kicking and open play – he was eventually substituted at half-time and the Boks recorded a 32-29 win.

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Jantjies missed the two Tests against the All Blacks, however, he had been named in this Saturday’s matchday squad for the clash against the Wallabies.

“I played 40 minutes against Wales, which was quite nice after an injury,” Jantjies said.

“Since then I’ve been working really hard for the last three weeks to make sure I’m ready for this weekend.”

The last time Jantjies played in Australia he produced a match-winning performance against the All Blacks.

The 32-year-old came from the bench and kicked over a penalty for a 31-29 triumph at Gold Coast, slotted a vital drop-goal and also created Makazole Mapimpi’s try with a well-timed pass.

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Similar to last year, the flyhalf will again be on the bench and will hope to replicate that performance against the Wallabies.

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“It’s not about the individual. As a group last year, we had a certain moment and everybody was switched on.

The last time Jantjies played in Australia he produced a match-winning performance against the All Blacks.

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The 32-year-old came from the bench and kicked over a penalty for a 31-29 triumph at Gold Coast, slotted a vital drop-goal and also created Makazole Mapimpi’s try with a well-timed pass.

Similar to last year, the flyhalf will again be on the bench and will hope to replicate that performance against the Wallabies.

“It’s not about the individual. As a group last year, we had a certain moment and everybody was switched on.

“The guys who played off the bench and the starting guys were on the same page, so it’s up to the individual to take that opportunity when it’s on.”

Jantjies said Australia had quality players who have been around the block over the years, as well as talented youngsters.

He added the fact that the Springboks have not beaten Australia at home since 2013 was a testament to the quality of the Wallabies over the years.

“We haven’t beaten them in Australia in years, so this is an opportunity for us to grow as a team this weekend,” Jantjies said.

“Hopefully whatever we planned will come off this weekend.”

Commenting on what they expected from the hosts at flyhalf, Jantjies said: “Last year Quade Cooper was in their team, and he brought experience, and I don’t think it will be any different with Bernard Foley here now.

“He’s an experienced player and he played against us before, so we’ll have to adapt to what he brings to the game.”

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Bull Shark 2 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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