SARrugby.com

Ex Sport 24

The flyhalf has been linked to the Kings, Bulls, Sharks and Stormers, with the latter the most viable option after they put a big money offer on the table for his services.

“We met on Tuesday to receive instructions. The decision was made as to which union we would enter into negotiations with. The move will only be finalised at the end of the week,” Adams said via sms.

Jantjies is widely expected to accept the offer and will then return to the Lions ahead of their promotion/relegation match against the lowest-placed South African side at the conclusion of next year’s Super Rugby tournament.

On Wednesday, former Bok centre Brendan Venter told Die Burger that he believed Jantjies could be the difference between a good Stormers team and a championship winning team.

“His core skills are very good. He already has two seasons of Super Rugby behind him and Western Province will get a well-rounded player. He is a brave defender, something he never really gets credit for and he takes on the big forwards - up to a point where it could become a weak point because you don’t want your flyhalf to go to those lengths.”

Well well well wonder what Mike and Moz will make of that. I though his defence was okay. Nothing punishing of course but norma average flyhalf defence agains tbigger men.

So we have Mitchell, Butch and now Venter disagreeing  with our resident experts!!

For me I think he will add to the Stormers campaign and I hope he comes.

Jantjies is destined to be a kicking flyhalf just like Morne Steyn. Face it, this lad is not a particularly talented runner.....not fast, not strong and while he has a step, it's always inside. He will never be a factor on the run in tests.....nothing like Goosen.

And all those chip kicks, like his model the Qualude, will amount to nothing in the end.

Defensively he is not anything special. I agree he will try to make the tackles. But in all honesty, have you ever seen a flyhalf who doesn't attempt the tackle if some forward pounds through his channel. He is no Johnny Wilkinson and his tackling software is set to non aggressive....witness the way he planted on Saturday and allowed Smith to breach the advantage line without closing him down. He will be a constant target if he plays Bok 10.

For Jantjies it will come down to the boot. Right now, considering range which limits Grant, he may be the best place kicker in the country. The real question is whether he can make the kicks when the pressure is really on like de Beer, Braam and Morne. I have my doubts.

But be clear, as the bloom of youth  fades for Jantjies he will be a kicker.....with no more dimension than Morne. He doesn't have the talent to be anything more.

Would you agree he strengthens the  Stormers squad?

Sure, he could be a useful S15 player and a points machine. There are lots of guys who can function effectively in S15, but not in tests when the pressure and skill ramp up. Ludik, Doppies, Olivier are all examples of guys who are great S15 contributors.....who just aren't gifted enough to succeed in test rugby.

Jantjies could be such a player, but more as a Morne clone, not a Qualude clone. In calling for Jantjies to replace Morne, fans have in effect been asking for the same player....a few irrelevant frills aside.

I am not sur ewheter jantjes is not a better runner with the ball and a more unpredictable palyer generally.

He will be playing behind a very trong Stormers pack so he has  a real chance to shine. Playing a top Super 15 side is not much off a test match.

Hooker seems to b eour achilles heel - that little black hooker I believe will struggle. The Lions hooker has gone to the bulle

Jantjes seems to be a better attacking player  and a little less predictable in attack and distribution. He will be playing behind a very strong Stormers pack and has a good  opportinuty to shine. One suspects we will see a more attacking Stormers

Hooker is our weak point as that little black hooker will in all likelihood struggle. The Lions hooker has gone to the Bulle. Anything happens to Tiaan we could be in the dwang. Cant in any case play Tiaan all season. Who else is there?

I typed this a second time as it appeared not to go through the first time!!

Beeno

Venter can say what he wishes - I agree with Mozart on this one.   In any effect I have rarely seen any tackles by him against forwards.  

Admit it Mike, you always agree with me....you just can't bring yourself to say so.

Biggest mistake by the Stormers since giving Earl Rose a Disa jersy. We will regret this big time.

See my comments on the Sharks - Griquas game - with special reference to the performance of Lambie.  He is the top selection - definitely not Earl Jantjies.

Mozart - in essence I do agree with you most of the time - but in some respects I differ from you in your assessment of the younger players in the Springbok team and the usage of rugby "geriatrics".

Dbdraard  - it will be as you said a huge mistake by the Stormers - not only huge - but bloody expensive.