The Generals, Standoff’s of just plain Flyhalf’s. Irrespective of what you call the man with number 10 on his back, when on song they can single handedly destroy ANY opposition, but when having a miserable day, they can utterly negate the hard work done by their 14 team mates.
Let’s look at the men likely to do duty in the number 10 jersey for the Lions in this season’s Super Rugby campaign.
ELTON JANTJIES
Name: Elton Jantjies
Position: Flyhalf
Physical: 1.76m; 84kg
Born: 01.08.90, Graaf Reinet
Province: Golden Lions
Provincial Caps: 26
Provincial Points: 329 (2t, 77c, 52p, 3dg)
Provincial Debut: 2010 v Leopards
Super Rugby Caps: 13
Super Rugby Points: 102 (21c, 18p, 2dg)
Super Rugby Debut: 2011 v Bulls
At just 21 years old, Jantjies has an incredibly bright future ahead of him.
Starting his rugby career with the Lions in 2006 at the U16 Craven Week, he has progressed through the ranks, and made his professional debut in the 2010 Currie Cup.
He so impressed during the competition that he was awarded the SARU Young Player of the Year award as well as the SA U20 Player of the Year award and was later rewarded with a place in the Springboks squad for the end of year tour.
The youngster had a mixed 2011 season with a less than ideal super Rugby campaign, possibly due to his lack of experience at this level.
However, under the guidance and mentorship of coach Carlos Spencer, Jantjies was back with a bang in the Currie Cup competition where he showed his true talent.
The second highest points scorer in the competition Jantjies was nominated as Currie Cup player of the Year in the SA Rugby Player Awards, narrowly losing out to team mate and captain, Joshua Strauss.
After such a big season in the Currie Cup, expect the youngster to make a successful step up in this year’s Super Rugby campaign.
BUTCH JAMES
Name: Butch James
Position: Flyhalf
Physical: 1.84m; 98kg
Born: 08.01.79, Johannesburg
Province: Golden Lions
Provincial Caps: 68 (Career)
Provincial Points: 507 (11t, 72c, 98p, 4dg)
Provincial Debut: 1999 v Falcons
Super Rugby Caps: 62 (Career)
Super Rugby Points: 407 (6t, 88c, 64p, 3dg)
Super Rugby Debut: 2001 v Bulls
Test Caps: 42
Test Points: 159 (3t, 27c, 29p, 1dg)
Test Debut: 2001 v France
A player with vast experience, James has been there and done that.
No longer a young man, we can expect to see James get gametime off the bench where he should cover both numner 10 and 12.
I’m sure that coach John Mitchell will use Butch when he needs a wise head to close out a close game, and may even see him start when Mitchell feels that the young Jantjies needs a rest.
GUY CRONJE
Name: Guy Cronje
Position: Flyhalf
Physical: 1.74m; 79kg
Born: 21.89.89, Standerston
Province: Golden Lions
Provincial Caps: Not Available
Provincial Points: Not Available
Provincial Debut: 2009 (Sharks) v WP
Super Rugby Caps: Not Available
Super Rugby Points: Not Available
Super Rugby Debut: Not Available
The twin brother of Flyhalf Ross Cronje, expect Guy, currently doing duty with UJ in the Varsity Cup to join the squad later in the Super Rugby campaign to offer cover for Jantjies and James.