Jantjies journeys to find a new Elton
WHEN Lions flyhalf Elton Jantjies left for Japan hoping to pick up the pieces of a faltering career this week, it wasn’t surprising that he had Morné Steyn on his mind.
Steyn heads an ever-lengthening queue of flyhalf hopefuls for the Springboks’ 2015 World Cup squad, which includes Pat Lambie, Johan Goosen, Handré Pollard, Marnitz Boshoff and — if his move to Japanese club side NTT Shining Arcs pays off — Jantjies.
Jantjies is using Steyn’s example as inspiration after a harrowing two seasons for the gifted but erratic flyhalf.
“What I learned from Morné when I was in the squad with him last year was his patience, and coming back stronger after a setback,” said Jantjies.
“I think it was 2012 when his kicking performance dipped, but to come back to where he was in 2013 really stood out for me from a mental perspective.
“That’s what I’ve learnt from him — that patience to keep doing what you’re doing until you’re back starting.”
Jantjies’s woes have been well documented over the past two seasons.
The death of his father, Thomas, early last year robbed him of his rugby mentor; the Stormers’ loan arrangement failed to meet expectations; and a pre-season shoulder injury opened the door for Boshoff to take his place in the Lions’ lineup when Jantjies wanted to play himself into Bok contention.
The effect of his father’s death, which triggered the whole chain reaction, is underestimated by people who feel he should be over it by now.
“He was my everything, my kicking coach and part of everything in my rugby life,” explained Jantjies. “I feel
I know exactly what I am and exactly who I am. I just have to stick to the training routine and the playing style that made me a Springbok
his absence every day. It’s one of those things you have to go through to be able to describe. I’ve no words for how tough it’s been.”
Jantjies goes to Japan to make some yen, “play [regular] rugby and just to find a new Elton”.
The latter point may well be code for “an adaptable Elton”, as a lack thereof was as responsible for the underwhelming performances as anything.
Jantjies admitted that he likes to start a game, be the kicker and play his own way, or he gets thrown off his game.
That said, he was wary of changing too much of what gave us the Carlos Spencer clone who all but won the 2011 Currie Cup final single-handedly at 21.
“You just need to know how good you are and what you’re capable of. You’ll always have critics, but never doubt yourself,” he said.
“I know exactly what I am and exactly who I am. I just have to stick to the training routine and the playing style that made me a Springbok.”
Jantjies said he last had a chat with Bok coach Heyneke Meyer after the Super Rugby season last year: “He told me I have to kick for poles because, with the Springboks, the No 10 does the kicking. It’s not like France, who use their No 9s to kick. With us, it’s one of your responsibilities as a flyhalf.”
Well, it worked for Steyn . . .