Photo Credit Gallo Images
With 39 Test caps to his name and at the age of 31 years old, Elton Jantjies is one of the more senior members of the Springbok team. Jantjies, who will start at flyhalf in Saturday’s opening Castle Lager Rugby Championship Test at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, expected a tough challenge against Argentina as the Boks begin their title defence in the competition, and said he was looking forward to taking the field.
“Every time you get to wear the green and gold jersey it is special, and it is an opportunity one doesn’t take for granted,” said Jantjies.
“As individuals, we try to stay as consistent as possible through performances on and off the field to be able to be in this environment. As a player group, we have certain roles when we play and when we don’t play, and that is healthy for the squad.
“For me, it’s all about the team at this stage of my career. When one is young you are very individually focused, but as you gain more experience and grow older you become more focused on the team.
“You become someone who wants to get to know the players and their personal lives, so you know what they like and don’t like and the way they enjoy playing for when you get on the park.
“This way we take responsibility and ensure we get the right results.”
Jantjies expected a tough outing against the passionate Pumas, who suffered only one defeat last year in a competitive season despite the COVID-19 pandemic in which they registered their first win against the All Blacks, and drew both their matches against Australia.
“Their confidence (is different) because they had a few big wins and good results recently,” said Jantjies.
“They always bring passion to the game. The last time we faced them in 2019 before the Rugby World Cup, it took an 80-minute performance to beat them.
“They’ll look at that game in South Africa and take positives from that, but that said we have also grown as a team.
“The Castle Lager Lions Series is behind us, and we've shifted our focus. We know the first two games will be important for us to remain in (the race) for the Rugby Championship (title).”
The experienced pivot was positive about the new-look Springbok team named to face Argentina on Saturday, which features 12 changes to the matchday squad that took the field against the British & Irish Lions last Saturday.
“It’s important for us to build consistency and to grow as a group," he said.
“There are a few new players in the squad, so we need to get them into the system as quickly as possible in order to learn what it takes to be a Springbok and remain a Springbok.”
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