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Fans show faith in Jantjies

Cape Town - Most Sport24 readers have backed Stormers coach Allister Coetzee's decision to stick with flyhalf Elton Jantjies for their Super Rugby clash against the Sharks, despite the return of Peter Grant to the Stormers fold following his stint in Japan.

There were concerns that Jantjies might have been emotionally and physically unready to play against the Bulls last Friday night, following the tragic death of his father, which resulted in him taking compassionate leave and therefore missing key Stormers warm-up matches in the build-up to the start of the 2013 Super Rugby season.

The Stormers pivot had an off game against the Bulls, missing all four of his kicks at goal, prompting some critics to say that he cost his team the game.

His influence on play contrasted strongly with that of Morne Steyn, who put in a brilliant display on the night.

Yet despite Jantjies showing poor form in his debut game, many were backing him to bounce back against the Sharks.

This is what Sport24 readers had to say:

"Having Jantjies in your team does open up more running and attacking options BUT if your gameplan is defence orientated then you can have Dan Carter and he would struggle. Get the gameplan right and the attacking players will come through. Problem is not which flyhalf to pick. Its wether they are allowed to play their game." - Pieter Huyzer

"The immediate problem is the Stormers can't afford to lose another game bearing in mind the Chiefs are next. If Elton has another shocker the Stormers will lose. You cannot hope to beat the Sharks if you don't kick your penalties. Elton's kicking out of hand was also bad. I would play Grant and give Elton more time to settle and he will because he is good enough. Bear in mind Grant had the highest success percentage in S15 last year for kicks landed."
- John Comyn

"I do not think that Elton is a bad flyhalf at all. I think that he had a bad game, and given his recent history is it not inexplicable. He will settle in, and has the talent to make things very difficult for opposing teams." - Travie Grif

"I believe Elton will be able to pull this one through and prove he can play under pressure."
- Sylvester Maqhina

"Horses for courses, that's the way to look at it. Peter was the better option for Bulls but wasn't available yet." - Paul Sdoow

"I'd stick with Jantjies...Grant is solid, but boring." - Sean Read Crisp

"Let's give Elton a chance. He is an International player, why must he be judged on one game?"
- Isak Visser

"Jantjies will improve from that woeful game."
- Gary Doyle

"Give Elton one more chance and we will see. The laaitie is class." - Warnell Mathys

"Don't think he was the worst of the night either- a guy like Deon Fourie had a shocker, not being able to find Andries Bekker in the lineout. The number of lineouts we lost in crucial field positions, was more devastating in my opinion. Also, to be fair towards Jantjes, two out of those four kicks were a bit more difficult - the other two he should have slotted."
- gerhard.loots

"Peter Grant, for a long time, was my first choice no 10 for the Boks (BTW, I support the Bulls). For some or other reason he never played to his full potential when the few opportunities came his way. Elton is another (Pat and Johan) option for the future. I feel for Peter but will go with Elton for the Stormers. He can give a "running back-line" many extra options."
- pietvanzyl53
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