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Ross Cronje and Elton Jantjies earlier this season against the Stormers (Gallo Images)
- The composure brought by the seasoned mediating duo of Ross Cronje and Elton Jantjies could be key for the Lions in their Currie Cup game against Western Province.
- Given that both teams are expected to be desperate for a positive result, some frenzy can be expected.
- Lions captain Jantjies hails Cronje as a smart and inspiring figure on the team.
In a Currie Cup clash that is widely regarded as one between two “desperate” teams, composure could be the factor in winning the match amid the frenzy.
That’s why the Lions have potentially played a trump card by restoring the crafty duo of Ross Cronje and Elton Jantjies as their running back pair against Western Province at Ellis Park on Saturday.
The two were an integral part of the Lions’ golden run in Super Rugby between 2016 and 2018, and they performed so well together that they were even the first-choice combination at the Springbok level under Allister Coetzee in 2017.
But the 31-year-old Cronje has experienced some injury issues recently, prompting the franchise to be a bit more exploratory in terms of a No.9 to support Jantjies.
While the Lions pattern has greatly adapted to the rotating cast of scrumhalves (22-year-old Morne van den Berg has seized his opportunity to some extent over the past month), Jantjies admits it’s nice to have his proverbial partner on. crime back.
“Yeah, it’s really good to have Ross back,” the Springbok said in a surprisingly enthusiastic tone Thursday.
“He’s a very knowledgeable guy. He has a different personality that also brings a different energy to the team.”
In fact, Cronje has never tried to paint himself as a flashy player, instead he has set himself apart by being dependable in a sea of talented and fickle teammates.
“Ross’s great strength is that he keeps the group accountable,” Jantjies said.
“To be honest, he has a different role on our team, a special one. He brings a lot of leadership and I hope he takes his chance because the rest of the guys like Andre Warner and Krappie (Van den Berg) are really training well too.
“Obviously I’m comfortable with any of the 9, we’re in a good space in terms of scrum half depth. But I’m really looking forward to playing alongside Ross again.
While Ivan van Rooyen, the Lions head coach, agrees that the depth at his disposal is encouraging, Cronje’s presence represents something of an insurance policy.
“We have Andre who has really improved his game in training and Krappie who brings an X-factor feel to the game,” he said.
“But Ross is consistent and dependable. He’s seen the picture before, he knows what it’s about. He knows what Province will bring to the table. There’s leadership and calm in him.
“We think it is an ideal time to give him a chance. He can give us something different and we are looking forward to it.”
The start at Ellis Park is at 7:00 p.m.
Equipment:
Lions
15 Tiaan Swanepoel, 14 Stean Pienaar, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Burger Odendaal, 11 Courtnall Skosan, 10 Elton Jantjies (captain), 9 Ross Cronje, 8 Len Massyn, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Jaco Kriel, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Willem Alberts , 3 Ruan Dreyer, 2 Jaco Visagie, 1 Sti Sithole
Substitutes: 16 Jan-Henning Campher, 17 Dylan Smith, 18 Wiehahn Herbst, 19 Reinhard Nothnagel, 20 Wilhelm van der Sluys, 21 Roelof Smit, 22 Morne van den Berg, 23 Dan Kriel
Western Province
15 Damian Willemse, 14 Seabelo Senatla, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Dan du Plessis, 11 Angelo Davids, 10 Tim Swiel, 9 Godlen Masimla, 8 Juarno Augustus, 7 Ernst van Rhyn, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 JD Schickerling, 4 Salmaaan Moerat, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Steven Kitshoff
Substitutes (from): 16 Scarra Ntubeni, 17 Ali Vermaak, 18 Neethling Fouche, 19 David Meihuizen, 20 Marcel Theunissen, 21 Johan du Toit, 22 Paul de Wet, 23 Tristan Leyds, 24 Jaco Coetzee, 25 Kade Wolhuter, 26 Rikus Pretorius
