Share

Ill discipline costs Jantjies

Brenden Nel - SuperSport

Johannesburg - Lions coach John Mitchell has punished flyhalf Elton Jantjies for breaking team protocol, and therefore returned Butch James to the flyhalf position for his side's last Super Rugby match of the season against the Sharks on Saturday.

Mitchell indicated that Jantjies had missed a team appointment as the reason for the shift, where the young flyhalf was dropped to the bench for the game after some impressive performances on the tour to Australasia.

While it was initially expected that the move was because of his poor defence, Mitchell offered a different explanation when announcing his team for the clash.

"Elton broke team protocol while we were away so he has to face the consequences," Mitchell said in explaining the selection.

"The leadership group made a decision about that, and that's the reason why Butch goes to 10."

Asked to elaborate, he declined, and then did anyway.

"No not at all, I think it's something that is kept within the team, and has more to do with punctuality. He missed an appointment."

James's move was one of a number of changes as Cobus Grobbelaar returned to the openside flank position. Grobbelaar left the team early to return home because of a family bereavement.

"He will start, he returned from New Zealand because of a family death and we've given him every opportunity to deal with that. He is now available,"Mitchell added.

While Grobbelaar is bracketed with his tour replacement, Jaco Kriel, he will start the game. The same goes for Franco van der Merwe who has also been bracketed with David de Villiers. Mitchell is confident he will start the game but, if not, De Villiers is on standby to fill his position.

Another change on the bench is the selection of Michael Bondesio for Rory Kockott.

Teams:

Lions:
15 Jaco Taute, 14 Dylan Des Fountain, 13 Doppies la Grange (capt.), 12 Alwyn Hollenbach, 11 Deon van Rensburg, 10 Butch James, 9 Jano Vermaak, 8 Josh Strauss, 7 Derick Minnie, 6 Cobus Grobbelaar/Jaco Kriel, 5 Franco van der Merwe/David de Villiers, 4 Wikus van Heerden, 3 Patric Cilliers, 2 Bandise Maku, 1 JC Janse van Rensburg

Substitutes: 16 Edgar Marutlulle, 17 Jacobie Adriaanse, 18 David de Villiers/David Bulbring, 19 Warren Whiteley, 20 Michael Bondesio, 21 Elton Jantjies, 22 Michael Killian

Sharks:
15. Louis Ludik, 14. JP Pietersen, 13. Stefan Terblanche, 12. Meyer Bosman, 11. Lwazi Mvovo, 10. Patrick Lambie, 9. Charl McLeod, 8. Ryan Kankowski, 7. Keegan Daniel, 6. Jacques Botes, 5. Gerhard Mostert, 4. Steven Sykes, 3. Eugene van Staden, 2. John Smit (captain), 1. Beast Mtawarira       

Substitutes: 16. Bismarck du Plessis, 17. Wiehahn Herbst, 18. Alistair Hargreaves, 19. Marcell Coetzee, 20. Frederic Michalak, 21. Jacques-Louis Potgieter, 22. Adrian Jacobs


We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE