Jantjies ‘will still do great work for Stormers’

DO NOT write off Elton Jantjies just yet, Lions coach Johan Ackermann says.

Jantjies, on loan from the Lions to the Stormers for the Super 15 campaign, has been on the receiving end of much criticism since the start of the competition after struggling to fit into the Cape side’s setup.

Ackermann admits that Jantjies and his on-loan-at-Stormers team-mate Jaco Taute have struggled to live up to their reputations. A number of Lions players were put on loan for the Super Rugby season following the Gauteng side’s withdrawal from the competition to make way for rookies the Southern Kings.

“It took some of our players a bit of time to settle into their new sides. Jaco and Elton have probably been the two players who struggled the most in adjusting to the style of play at the Stormers,” the Lions mentor said yesterday.

At the start of the season, much was expected of Jantjies but, as Ackermann agrees, the sudden death of his father on the eve of the start of the competition has had a major effect on his game. But Ackermann believes the flyhalf will bounce back.

“Elton had the passing of his dad, which has had (an) influence on his performance. He is definitely still trying to get used to being without his dad. I believe in Elton’s potential and that he will become a great player for the Stormers this season.”

While lock Franco van der Merwe (on loan to the Sharks) and utility back Lionel Mapoe (Bulls) have been doing well for their teams in the Super 15 campaign, a lack of game time for frontrower Callie Visagie at the Stormers is a concern for Ackermann.

However, a bigger worry for the coach is injury. Taute has been ruled out for the rest of the season due to a knee injury which will see him miss the Lions’ Currie Cup campaign, and also their Super Rugby promotion playoff at the end of the competition. Jantjies also sustained a knee injury at the weekend, but is not expected to be out for long.

“It is a big concern and a massive setback to have players ruled out with injury. If you think of the quality player that Jaco is and the fact that he had a huge impact in the side last year. We are going to miss him when it comes to the Super Rugby playoff and the Currie Cup as well. It’s tough seeing our players getting serious injuries, but it is part of the game,” said Ackermann.

He also had some kind words for the Kings: “I want to give them credit. They really play with passion and commitment. It shows what happens when you have a group of players who play for each other and play with meaning. They are definitely a well-coached side and are no walkovers.

“It goes to show that it will be a tough challenge no matter who we face in the playoffs.”

Former England flyhalf Jonny Wilkinson has played down his chances of being selected by the British and Irish Lions for the upcoming tour of Australia, saying younger compatriots Owen Farrell and Toby Flood deserve their chance.

Wilkinson continues to impress for French club Toulon and his masterful display of kicking and defending in Sunday’s 2115 win over Leicester in the Heineken Cup quarterfinals led many to suggest he could do a good job for the Lions in June.

But the 33-year-old No 10 said: “As far as I’m concerned, I’m like the guy in the armchair, wishing I could be on the Lions tour.”

The second-highest points scorer in Test history said he would not turn down a Lions callup but added: “It’s now about the young guys taking the game forward.” With Sapa-AP