Ample back-up for Jantjies

Rudolph Jacobs

Flyhalf Elton Jantjies (above) enjoyed a mixed bag of results at Springbok level last year, but at the Lions he has always been like a proverbial fish in familiar waters.

While the Lions flyhalf resources have been thinned out over the last few years following the departures of Marnitz Boshoff and more recently Jaco van der Walt, Lions coach Swys de Bruin believed they are well covered.

The 22-year-old Shaun Reynolds and 24-year-old Ashlon Davids will serve as back-up to the experienced Jantjies, who has evolved as one of the Lions’ leaders in recent seasons.

“I do believe we have adequate back-up for Elton, both Shaun and Ashlon are both exciting and capable of holding their own at Super Rugby level,” said De Bruin.

At 1.87m and 91kg, Reynolds is the bigger of the two, while Davids at 1.7m and 85kg proved himself as a skilful player in last year’s Super Sport’s Rugby Challenge as well as the Currie Cup.

Jantjies as part of the big Bok group who will be rested for this weekend’s warm-up against the Bulls at Ellis Park, has also served as a mentor to the two young pivots ahead of their Super Rugby opener against the Sharks at home on February 17.

De Bruin is also happy with his No 9 cover after Faf de Klerk’s departure to Sale Sharks where he is making big headlines.

Ross Cronje will again start as first choice with cover coming from Dillon Smit, Marco Jansen van Vuuren – who was a big find in last year’s Currie Cup – and Griquas loan player Christiaan Meyer.