Tobias defends under-fire Jantjies

Editor

Former Springbok fly-half Errol Tobias says Elton Jantjies deserves two more Tests in the number 10 jersey to prove his aptitude for the role.

Tobias said he would pick Jantjies in at least two more Tests and if he remains inconsistent, questions need to be asked about the quality of coaching he is receiving.

While Jantjies has generally played well for the Lions in Super Rugby, he has blown hot and cold for the Springboks.

"Go look at the fly-halves who played before Elton. Pat Lambie and Handre Pollard were not perfect fly-halves; they also had weaknesses," Tobias told Netwerk24.

"We know that playing for the Springboks brings a different kind of pressure. I don't believe something is wrong with Elton's mental preparation before Tests. But the question that needs to be asked is whether or not he is good enough to be consistent at Test level.

"We have to look at his skill level. When I was still playing I could kick with my right and left foot. Elton can only kick with his left foot and opposition teams take advantage of that. When he does kick with his right foot, he positions himself incorrectly. He will have to work on that because he exposes himself when he uses his right foot."

Tobias doesn't believe South Africa will be a threat for New Zealand and Australia in the Rugby Championship.

He said Springbok coach Allister Coetzee needed to get his selections right, not just with Jantjies but with other positions as well. He acknowledged that Johan Goosen, who started at full-back in the first Test against Argentina, could be moved to fly-half but Tobias would like to see Jantjies should a few more opportunities to prove himself.

Tobias said people shouldn't just focus on Jantjies but also look at his half-back partner Faf de Klerk.

"As energetic as Faf is, his feet isn't always planted correctly when he has to give the ball to Elton under pressure. We shouldn't be sentimental but rather speak the truth. Faf isn't good with his feet. He can't relieve pressure on Elton with tactical kicks and it's something he needs to work on," he added.

"I want to ask South African fans to look at Elton as a fly-half from a balanced point of view and realise that Faf also has weaknesses."