Five men who stepped up
After their impressive efforts against the Wallabies, these ‘B’ Boks deserve another shot
THE Springboks’ Rugby Championship opener against Australia was always going to be important.
It was a game which Bok coach Rassie Erasmus used to run a couple of tests, and some players passed with flying colours in the green and gold.
So, here are five of those “B” team Boks who deserve an A for their efforts and should be rewarded against the All Blacks on Saturday.
HERSCHEL JANTJIES
His inclusion on this list is about as natural as a Michael Cheika blowup after a loss.
Jantjies was absolutely sensational in the Springboks’ 35-17 win over the Wallabies, and while a number of individual performances gave South Africans a reason to smile, Jantjies would have been the biggest inducer of such an ear-to-ear grin.
Given his spell, it’s hard to imagine that the scrumhalf position was until fairly recently an area marked in red as far at the Boks were concerned.
While Cobus Reinach’s quality and contributions were far from shabby, you’d have to get the toughest jury to give a verdict against a spot off the bench for Jantjies this weekend.
FRANS STEYN
Hate him or love him, you can’t deny this man’s pedigree.
His presence was felt as soon as he came on for Andre Esterhuizen, and the zest he injected was clear.
Based on form, his recent production and the additional 10 option he can offer the Boks, it wouldn’t be bizarre to say that a starting role at 12 for the 32-year-old isn’t too far-fetched. But he can also offer versatility (obviously) and impact off the bench.
Either way, he’s reintroduced himself to Test rugby in fine style.
MARCELL COETZEE
Judging by how he looked when he came on against the Wallabies, it’s safe to say that Coetzee has found a way to combat the rustiness that can so easily creep up on players after a while away from the Test arena.
The back row is of course one with options and combinations galore for Bok coach Rassie Erasmus, even with Siya Kolisi on the the sidelines, and that’s one thing that makes Coetzee an attracitive option.
ELTON JANTJIES
Not like his role and position behind Handre Pollard was ever really going to be in doubt, but Jantjies deserves a mention nonetheless for the way he stood up against the Aussies.
His kicking off the tee was near flawless, he contributed on attack and overall produced a composed performance.
LIZO GQOBOKA
There was a top shove for his second scrum, and that can easily be classified as the highlight of his game against Australia, but it’s everything Gqoboka has done throughout the season that should help him to be seen as more than just one of Tendai Mtawarira’s back-up looseheads. There’s also everyone’s favourite ginger Steven Kitshoff – who himself comes off a fine Super Rugby season – and while chances are Gqoboka won’t get a run against New Zealand, he should have done enough to show what he’s got.