Johannesburg - One thing Elton Jantjies cannot be accused of is lacking in confidence.
The twice-capped Springbok pivot is back at the Lions after a short stint playing club rugby in Japan and has set his sights on making Heyneke Meyer’s World Cup squad.
Jantjies returned to the Ellis Park training grounds this week after turning out for the NTT Shining Arcs in the Japanese Top League. He played all 14 league games as well as in two play-off matches, an experience he said on Thursday had made him a better player.
“I love being given responsibility and I had a lot of that in Japan. The coaches backed me and asked me to lead the players. I helped a lot in guiding the younger guys, I was like a teacher to them, something I think will benefit me in future.
“I’ve grown up and matured and believe my leadership abilities are stronger than before.”
Jantjies is hoping to put all he has learned in Japan to good use in Super Rugby. The Lions kick off their challenge against the Hurricanes next weekend and while Jantjies is in a battle with Marnitz Boshoff and Jaco van der Walt for the No10 jersey he’s adamant his form will speak for itself.
“If I’m on top of my game and produce consistent performances then everything else will fall into place. Competition is always good, but I can only control my own game. I don’t want to compare myself to anyone else... I’m not here to worry about other players. My focus is on me and playing rugby that will make the team win.”
Jantjies played under former Crusaders and Munster coach Rob Penney and former Sharks boss Hugh-Reece Edwards at the Shining Arcs. He said both men have had a big impact on his development and growth. “We played a different brand of rugby to what I was used to and a lot of the pattern revolved around me and the decisions I had to make. I’ve worked hard on my decision-making and game management and want to now put that to use in the Super Rugby competition.”
Still just 24, Jantjies is confident there’s enough time and opportunity for him to play himself into Meyer’s World Cup squad. This despite Meyer backing young Handré Pollard in recent times and also having the likes of Pat Lambie and Morné Steyn competing for the flyhalf position.
“My goal is definitely to make the World Cup squad. I want to play at that tournament and believe I can make it. I’ve been in the Bok set-up before (2012) and I’m going to challenge to get back there,” he said.
“The key thing will be to step up and play at a consistently high level and not have any weaknesses.”
Jantjies certainly has the ability and the game to be a top performer but, like he says, consistently producing the goods is what Meyer - and Lions boss Johan Ackermann - will be looking for in the coming weeks and months.
The Star