As the Springbok fly-halfs fell like dominoes one by one due to injuries, the Springboks were forced to bring back veteran Elton Jantjies.
The 32-year-old flyhalf – who played his last test against Australia in August last year – may have put away his rugby skills too quickly.
He has now been called back to the training camp in Pretoria to stand in for Handre Pollard and Damian Willemse, who are both currently in rehabilitation due to injuries.
The only fit flyhalf in the training group is Manie Libbok.
According to Jacques Nienaber, Springbok coach, Damian has a knee injury and there is still no indication that he will be ready for the first Rugby Championship test against Australia on 8 July next month.
In Handre’s case, he will not be able to run for the first game at all, says Nienaber.
“This means that Manie is currently our only fit flyhalf and we cannot go into a Test season without the position being covered. We’ve considered the options locally and overseas, having watched them all throughout the season – and Elton is the next fly-half in line.
“He knows our thinking and systems inside out and can fit in easily. We kick off against Australia in three weeks and if Damian is not fully fit, Elton will be ready to play.”
Elton Jantjies made his Test debut against Australia in Pretoria in 2012 and has been part of the Springbok squad for the past six years. He is currently in France and will join the group in Pretoria on Sunday.
