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Jantjies moves closer to fitness

Cape Town - The news coming out of the Springbok camp on Thursday was positive from an injury point of view. 

With Pieter-Steph du Toit ruled out of the upcoming series against Ireland with a hamstring injury on Tuesday, there was then another worry when Lionel Mapoe then also sat out of training that day and then had a limited role on Thursday. 

But the word from Springbok backline coach Mzwandile Stick on Thursday was that Mapoe was not a serious worry. 

"I think we’ve been getting a lot of positive feedback from the medical staff," said Stick.

"I don’t think with Lionel it is anything bad, it was just something in a gym session. It’s a matter of managing him well." 

The really good news was on the Jantjies front. 

Having sustained a finger injury against the Jaguares in the second-last week of Super Rugby before the international break, Jantjies' Springbok participation in June was in serious doubt. 

But Stick confirmed that the recovery was going well. 

"We know about Elton … they said he was going to be out for about two to three weeks, but I think he’s doing very well," said Stick.

"We saw him today getting involved where he was holding the ball and hopefully by next week he’ll be fully involved with the team." 

Stick added that he was extremely satisifed with what he had seen from the squad in his first week involved.

"We are given the freedom to look after the boys and Allister (Coetzee) is just looking over us," said Stick.

"I couldn’t have asked for a more balanced squad than what we’ve got at the moment. Sometimes you need the experience and the brains … and also to give the young guys that deserve the opportunity.

"There are a lot 'laaities' (youngsters) that are bringing a lot of energy."

The Boks take on Ireland in the first of three Tests on June 11.

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