Rejuvenated Jantjies thanks his late father

Elton Jantjies (right) has come a long way since being dropped less than a year ago, with the Springbok flyhalf contributing his form to the harmony in the current national setup.

Not only did Jantjies score 22 points in the 37-15 win over France at the weekend, but in the first two Tests of the three-match series he missed just a single kick out of 13 attempts.

“I spent a lot of time focusing on my technique,” he said.

“You get comfortable when you are well prepared, sticking to your routine and just trusting your body and what you go through.

“I can only give credit to people who had an influence on my kicking style. Obviously my late father played a big role and I’m still doing what he told me.”

Jantjies scored his first Test try in Durban, after being on hand to take a pass from Siya Kolisi.

“That was very special, but I have to thank Siya. He made it happen,” Jantjies said.

While coach Allister Coetzee had said Jantjies was the “only flyhalf standing”, Handre Pollard was set to join the team this week to be assessed. It would be some time, however, before Pat Lambie’s return.

A process-driven squad, Jantjies said the Boks were simply going out there to ensure their game management and the leaders of the team were on par.

“For me it’s just making sure I do my job well and trying to inspire my team-mates, making sure I make the right decisions at the right time. That’s the key for me,” he said.

Jantjies also credited backline coach Franco Smith for the manner in which they played and the direction the game was going in terms of where they wanted to be as the national squad.

“It’s about the role the leaders of the team played as well as the decisions made through from 8,9, 10 and 15.”