ENGLAND TEST SERIES
Rassie Erasmus shoulders some blame for Jantjies blowout
SA failed to dominate in the England Test and ‘brave calls’ put a target on some players’ backs, says Erasmus
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus took some of the blame for flyhalf Elton Jantjies’s poor performance in the third Test against England at Newlands on Saturday. The visitors won 25-10 after going 2-0 down in the series a week earlier. With the series secure Erasmus made five changes to the team‚ including bringing Jantjies back into the starting line-up even though the forecast was for wet‚ slippery conditions. Jantjies‚ playing his 26th Test‚ has seldom looked like a world-class pivot at this level and he struggled badly in the treacherous conditions on Saturday. He dropped two high balls under little pressure‚ had a clearance kick charged down and missed a relatively straightforward penalty in addition to failing to shape the game. As the pressure grew‚ his game crumbled and he was substituted on the hour mark. "I don’t like taking my flyhalf off as long as he is making decisions‚" Erasmus said. Pressure "But in this game … the pressure was piling up on him as the charge-down showed...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.