Publications
Partners
Cape Town - Legendary former All Black No 8 Zinzan Brooke has questioned Springbok flyhalf Elton Jantjies’ ability to lead his side’s attack.
CLICK: To support South Africa's Rugby World Cup 2023 bid
Brooke, who played 100 times (58 Tests and 42 matches) for New Zealand between 1987 and 1997, was commenting ahead of Saturday’s Rugby Championship game between the old rivals at Newlands.
Via a column for the All Blacks’ official website, Brooke said he was impressed by South Africa’s performance against Australia in Bloemfontein last week, but was reluctant to heap too much praise on the Springboks.
“I was actually pretty impressed with how the Springboks and Wallabies played last week. There was a consistency and grittiness that I haven't seen in a game featuring either side for some time, so it was great to see it. Before we go and give them too much praise, though, they have been in this situation before. The end result? The wrong end of a 57-0 hiding,” Brooke wrote.
Brooke, 52, also has doubts over Jantjies’ consistency as a Test-level No 10.
“I've said it once and I'll say it again, Elton Jantjes has a lot of pressure on his shoulders. His hairstyle is fantastic, but his ability to lead the troops? Questionable at best. He needs to focus on getting South Africa on the front foot, and has serious work to do to be consistently on top.”
Saturday’s Test at Newlands is scheduled for 17:05.
Teams:
South Africa
TBA
New Zealand
15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Nehe Milner-Skudder, 13 Ryan Crotty, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 11 Rieko Ioane, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Kieran Read (captain), 7 Sam Cane, 6 Liam Squire, 5 Scott Barrett, 4 Sam Whitelock, 3 Nepo Laulala, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Kane Hames
Substitutes: 16 Codie Taylor, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Ofa Tu'ungafasi, 19 Patrick Tuipulotu, 20 Matt Todd, 21 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 22 Lima Sopoaga, 23 David Havili
CLICK HERE to read Zinzan Brooke's full column on the All Blacks' official website
