For years, Elton Jantjies was not South Africa’s first-choice flyhalf, but his role as a back-up to Handre Pollard was an important part of the Springbok machine under Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber.
Jantjies’ international future is now uncertain after being dropped from the team following a highly publicised alleged affair with team dietician Zeenat Simjee.
Pollard is currently injured, and Damie Willemse is being backed at No 10 in the Rugby Championship, but the squad is extremely thin ahead of Saturday’s match against Argentina in Buenos Aires.
Willemse demonstrated his ability to be an international playmaker against the Wallabies in Sydney, but the Springboks will continue to look for another option as preparations for the World Cup in France next year continue.
So, who comes next after Jantjies?
Please share your thoughts in the section below.
Goosen, Johan
The 30-year-old Bulls playmaker is in the Rugby Championship squad, but he has not fully recovered from a serious knee injury. Goosen’s international career has been sporadic despite being rated highly by Bok management. A return to action is expected soon, and while he will almost certainly not play for the Boks in the Rugby Championship, Goosen will be looking forward to a strong showing for the Bulls and possibly a spot in the end-of-year touring party.
Libbok, Manie
Why not? His name keeps coming up when discussing Bok flyhalf options. After all, Libbok led the Stormers to their first URC championship last season and was one of the competition’s best flyhalves. He doesn’t fit the traditional Bok stereotype of a No 10, but Jantjies didn’t either. Inconsistent goal-kicking would be a detriment to his cause, but Libbok is as exciting with the ball in his hands as anyone else, and his silky, accurate distribution is perhaps his most valuable asset.
Bosch, Curwin
Bosch’s defence has always been the biggest roadblock to more Springbok opportunities, and he appears to be flying under the radar at the moment. He is still only 25 years old and has time on his side. He will most likely be given the reins in Durban in the URC this year, where he will play behind the Sharks’ monster pack. There’s no reason he can’t force his way back into Bok’s good graces if he shows the right stuff.
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