Johannesburg - Flyhalf Elton Jantjies will embrace his opportunity to make his first start for the Springboks at his homeground.
He also wants to repay the faith shown in him by coach Allister Coetzee and help inspire the Boks to a series-levelling win against Ireland.
“We know we let ourselves and the country down last Saturday, but we’re going to turn things around this weekend,” Jantjies said yesterday.
“Ellis Park is a special place and I’m so looking forward to starting in the 10 jersey for the first time.
“I’m not going to put any extra pressure on myself, I’ve got a job to do and that’s to make the right decisions and manage the game. I want to inspire the guys around me and make sure they enjoy playing with me.”
Coetzee expects Jantjies to deliver a quality performance.
“There’s huge expectation for Elton to fire, but all I want from him is to take control and manage the game,” he said.
“I expect Elton to get us into the right areas of the field. I expect him to beat the rush and to be clever, to make good decisions when there’s space at the back.
“A lot of people expect a lot of running rugby with Elton there ... there’s an expectation we must play with attacking flair at all costs all the time.
“If it’s on, it’s on, whether it’s the first minute or not ... but if it’s not on, then it’s not necessary to always play. It’s about making good decisions ... I know Elton can run and manage a game well.” - Cape Times