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Johannesburg – Lions coach John Mitchell wants to see flyhalf sensation Elton Jantjies in the Springbok squad for next year’s Rugby World Cup.
However, the New Zealand coach this week again pleaded that Jantjies not be exposed to Test rugby as soon as next month when the Boks tour Britain and Ireland.
“I’d love to see him in a Bok jersey. But he’s currently struggling with a toe and ankle injury. He really came into his own in the Currie Cup,” said Mitchell.
“But perhaps he rather belongs in a broader 30-man squad for next year’s World Cup. It’s just about managing him correctly and now he needs a number of weeks for rest and conditioning (after the Currie Cup). Time on the field may not be the best thing for him now.”
Mitchell is nevertheless hopeful that the Lions will produce Springboks in the near future.
Not a single Lions player featured in this year’s Tri-Nations.
The Lions will struggle to become a force in Super rugby if they do not have a few accomplished Test players in their ranks.
A number of big names, including Springboks, are expected to arrive at the Lions in the coming months.
“I think the captain, Franco van der Merwe, is not far from being a Test player. His work-rate is outstanding and he takes the ball out of the air well,” said Mitchell.
Franco’s ability as a ball-carrier has also developed. He can get there with further conditioning.”
He singles out Jano Vermaak and Doppies la Grange, while he believes Waylon Murray has improved enough in the Currie Cup to become a Bok candidate.
“Derick Minnie is definitely a contender. He’s outstanding in all three positions in the loose-trio and a good fetcher. I also believe Jaco Taute will become an international player over time.”
Mitchell said that he only had two Test players in his squad when he was appointed as coach of the Western Force.
“We ended up with about 15 Test players.”
The Lions play the Pumas in what will probably be their final Currie Cup match of the season at Coca-Cola Park on Friday.
Only a big win and shock results in other games can still help the Lions reach the semifinals of the Currie Cup.
Mitchell will return to his family in Perth after the Currie Cup, but will be back in November to start the Lions’ Super rugby preparations.
“During that time (in Perth) I’d like to see my daughter pass her exams and see my son play cricket. I will be back in Johannesburg on November 15 when our training camp starts,” he said.
Johannesburg – Lions coach John Mitchell wants to see flyhalf sensation Elton Jantjies in the Springbok squad for next year’s Rugby World Cup.
However, the New Zealand coach this week again pleaded that Jantjies not be exposed to Test rugby as soon as next month when the Boks tour Britain and Ireland.
“I’d love to see him in a Bok jersey. But he’s currently struggling with a toe and ankle injury. He really came into his own in the Currie Cup,” said Mitchell.
“But perhaps he rather belongs in a broader 30-man squad for next year’s World Cup. It’s just about managing him correctly and now he needs a number of weeks for rest and conditioning (after the Currie Cup). Time on the field may not be the best thing for him now.”
Mitchell is nevertheless hopeful that the Lions will produce Springboks in the near future.
Not a single Lions player featured in this year’s Tri-Nations.
The Lions will struggle to become a force in Super rugby if they do not have a few accomplished Test players in their ranks.
A number of big names, including Springboks, are expected to arrive at the Lions in the coming months.
“I think the captain, Franco van der Merwe, is not far from being a Test player. His work-rate is outstanding and he takes the ball out of the air well,” said Mitchell.
Franco’s ability as a ball-carrier has also developed. He can get there with further conditioning.”
He singles out Jano Vermaak and Doppies la Grange, while he believes Waylon Murray has improved enough in the Currie Cup to become a Bok candidate.
“Derick Minnie is definitely a contender. He’s outstanding in all three positions in the loose-trio and a good fetcher. I also believe Jaco Taute will become an international player over time.”
Mitchell said that he only had two Test players in his squad when he was appointed as coach of the Western Force.
“We ended up with about 15 Test players.”
The Lions play the Pumas in what will probably be their final Currie Cup match of the season at Coca-Cola Park on Friday.
Only a big win and shock results in other games can still help the Lions reach the semifinals of the Currie Cup.
Mitchell will return to his family in Perth after the Currie Cup, but will be back in November to start the Lions’ Super rugby preparations.
“During that time (in Perth) I’d like to see my daughter pass her exams and see my son play cricket. I will be back in Johannesburg on November 15 when our training camp starts,” he said.
