Elton Jantjies was called up to the Rugby Championship training squad amidst a growing flyhalf injury crisis, but was he the right choice?
With Manie Libbok the only fit No 10 in the training squad after injuries ruled out Handre Pollard and Damian Willemse, Jantjies has returned despite missing out on selection for last year’s November tour of Europe aftering being embroiled in a scandal.
According to Bok coach Jacques Nienaber, Jantjies was next in line for a call-up: “He knows our thinking and systems inside out and can slot in easily.”
But were the alternatives overlooked too quickly?
A longstanding servant in the Springbok ranks, 88-Test Ruan Pienaar is currently playing some of his best rugby for the Cheetahs and can cover flyhalf and scrumhalf, not to mention his value as a goal-kicker.
Arguably the most well-acquainted with the Bok setup and one of the best goal-kickers of all time is the recently retired Morne Steyn. Did the Boks miss a beat by not bringing Steyn back for a last hurrah?
There is also an argument for Robert du Preez. A one-cap Springbok, Du Preez has impressed during his time at the Sale Sharks to become one of the squad’s key members and is more than capable of slotting in at centre if needs be. Is it the perfect time to rope the 29-year-old back into the Bok mix?
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Once tipped as a shoo-in for the Bok No 10 jersey, Curwin Bosch has yet to live up to expectation, but a recent turnaround in form makes the Sharks playmaker a viable option. Just as good at fullback, he would lend versatility to the Bok squad, and given he is just 25, there is an opportunity to work Bosch into the squad as a utility back with the future in mind.
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