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- The Springboks’ withdrawal from the Rugby Championship has at least guaranteed Elton Jantjies a swan song in Newlands.
- Before the decision was confirmed, there was a chance that he might not be able to lead his Lions team one last time on the holy ground.
- Former Stormer Dan Kriel says an empty stadium could ease the home team’s assault somewhat, but cautioned that a major battle is still at stake.
The withdrawal of the Springboks from the Rugby Championship has at least dispelled any doubt that Elton jantjies he wouldn’t have a Newlands swan song with his beloved red and white shirt on.
The Lions captain had a complicated “relationship” with the holy home of the Stormers initially after an unfortunate stint of Super Rugby on loan from the Cape franchise in 2013, but also experienced highs from an unexpected draw in 2015 and then a convincing and complete victory two years later with the men of Ellis Park.
He also showed all his experience managing his playbook well at the Springbok Showdown a fortnight ago.
“I actually thought the Showdown was going to be my last appearance there,” Jantjies said with a wry smile, no doubt a thought formed by prior uncertainty about whether the national team would travel to Australia.
“I just listened and really realized this week that we’re playing at Newlands. It’s another chance, yeah.”
That said, the 30-year-old clinical and measured pivot believes the Stormers, the Lions’ opponents for this week’s Super Rugby Unlocked round of games, will likely be more driven by emotion than he himself.
“Obviously the Stormers will be excited to play us. It’s the last game of our rivalry on the ground,” Jantjies said.
“It’s always a nice, physical battle with a lot of intensity. Both sides are going to go for it. We are definitely ready.”
Meanwhile, midfielder Dan Kriel, who was still on Western Province’s payroll last season, notes that the Stormers will have to adjust a bit to avoid having their rowdy crowd behind them.
After all, he experienced it first hand.
“Jeez Newlands always has an amazing experience. It’s good to have a full stadium and feel the atmosphere,” Kriel said.
“But everyone is adapted now. We know there will be no spectators. I am not saying that it will make things easier for us (but it is a factor). It is going to a very tough battle that we are looking forward to” a. “
Kickoff in Newlands is at 7pm on Saturday.
Teams:
Stormers
15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Sergeal Petersen, 13 Dan du Plessis, 12 Rikus Pretorius, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Damian Willemse, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Juarno Augustus, 7 Ernst van Rhyn, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 JD Schickerling, 4 Salmaan Moerat, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Steven Kitshoff
Substitutes: 16 Scarra Ntubeni, 17 Leon Lyons, 18 Neethling Fouche, 19 Chris van Zyl, 20 Nama Xaba, 21 Paul de Wet, 22 Michal Haznar, 23 Tim Swiel
Lions
15 EW Viljoen, 14 Jamba Ulengo, 13 Burger Odendaal, 12 Dan Kriel, 11 Rabz Maxwane, 10 Elton Jantjies (captain), 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Len Massyn, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Jaco Kriel, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Ruben Schoeman, 3 Carlu Sadie, 2 Jaco Visagie, 1 Sti Sithole
Substitutes (from): 16 Jan-Henning Campher, 17 Dylan Smith, 18 Wiehahn Herbst, 19 Wilhelm van der Sluys, 20 MJ Pelser, 21 Hacjivah Dayimani, 22 Ross Cronje, 23 Gianni Lombard, 24, Wandisile Simelane, 25 Ruan Dreyer
