Elton Jantjies says the Springboks’ plan to split their squad should not cause too much disruption in terms of who he forms a halfback pairing with in the Rugby Championship.
The Boks kick off their international campaign against the Wallabies in Johannesburg on 20 July before taking on the All Blacks in Wellington a week later.
Bok coach Rassie Erasmus confirmed on Thursday that a team of 15 players, which will be named next Wednesday, will travel to New Zealand and will be joined by the coaches and eight reserves, who will fly out on Saturday after the Wallabies game.
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Among the 15 is likely to Faf de Klerk, Jantjies’ long-time halfback partner at the Lions before the scrumhalf moved to Manchester to join the Sale Sharks, while Handre Pollard will also probably be on the plane, with Jantjies likely to be starting against the Wallabies.
Jantjies has not had any on-field game-time with the other two scrumhalves in the squad, Cobus Reinach and Herschel Jantjies, but said the duo’s similar playing style to De Klerk should counter the potential disruption of starting a new halfback pairing.
‘Faf and I know each other quite well and have known each other for a while. But it is funny that all three of them are quite similar. They are all good passers of the ball and have that quickness to the breakdown as well. They all have a good kicking game and understanding in terms of game management.
‘Between the backs and the forwards they are training quite well. I have trained with Cobus, during previous World Cup and Springbok duties. We have also played against each other.
‘It is the first time I am training with Herschel. He is definitely quality and I am looking forward to seeing him get a Test debut in the Championship, growing as quickly as possible and getting settled in the position.’
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