Jantjies ‘a Bok shoo-in’
Lions coach Ackermann gives flyhalf thumbs up after starring in Bulls demolition, but says he needs trust
Whether it is sage or biased‚ Lions coach Johan Ackermann dispensed advice for Springbok coach Allister Coetzee ahead of Tuesday’s squad announcement for the three-Test series against France. Ackermann gave Elton Jantjies an unambiguous thumbs up as Bok flyhalf after the left-footer played a leading role in the demolition of the Bulls. The endorsement comes as Coetzee has run out of options with Handré Pollard and Pat Lambie under an injury cloud. "I’m very biased‚" Ackermann admitted when asked if Jantjies could have an enduring Test career. "They have asked me that before about Elton: can he play‚ does he have the big-match temperament and has he got the skills? I’ve put myself out there and always said, ‘He’s got it’. I back him purely because we love him here at the Lions. We believe he can play at the highest level. He’s got the skill. " He plays with confidence and freedom. If you allow that the players around him can understand him and then I believe he can play at the highes...
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