As the Springboks gear up for their upcoming matches in the Rugby Championship, head coach Jacques Nienaber is faced with a crucial decision about their limited flyhalf options. With Handre Pollard out due to a calf injury, Nienaber must choose between Elton Jantjies, Damian Willemse, and the relatively inexperienced Manie Libbok. The big question is whether Jantjies should play against Australia at home or New Zealand away.
The Challenge
The Springboks are set to play Australia at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, 8 July, followed by a highly anticipated match against the All Blacks a week later on Saturday, 15 July. Due to the tight schedule in the Rugby Championship, the Springbok management has decided to use split squads for these two tests. However, the challenge is the flyhalf crisis caused by Pollard’s absence.
The Options
Jantjies, Willemse, and Libbok are the primary flyhalf options for the Springboks. Nienaber must divide and conquer, assigning Willemse and Jantjies to play against the Wallabies and All Blacks, respectively, with Libbok serving as deputy in one of those games. The dilemma is whether to pick Jantjies for the first week of competition against Eddie Jones’ Wallabies or send him to Auckland for the showdown against the All Blacks.
Beyond the Flyhalves
Apart from the three main flyhalves, the Springboks could turn to outside backs Cheslin Kolbe and Willie le Roux as playmakers if Nienaber decides against calling up a specialist flyhalf. However, the decision regarding Jantjies’ role in the upcoming games is crucial.
The Decision
With Jantjies’ wealth of experience and impressive record in international competitions, selecting him for either game could prove advantageous for the Springboks. However, the stakes are high, and Nienaber must consider various factors such as the opponents’ strengths, match conditions, and the development of younger flyhalves.
Against Australia at home, the Springboks are uncertain about what to expect from the Wallabies, making it a potentially unpredictable game. Jantjies’ experience could be invaluable in navigating the uncertainties and emerging victorious. However, the clash against the All Blacks in Auckland will undoubtedly be a colossal challenge. Jantjies could bring much-needed composure and tactical prowess to the game.
Ultimately, the decision rests with Nienaber, who must carefully weigh the pros and cons of each option. As the Springboks prepare to embark on their Rugby Championship journey, fans eagerly await the coach’s decision on Jantjies’ role in the upcoming games. Regardless of the choice, the Springboks will need to bring their A-game against both Australia and New Zealand in the coming weeks.
