Where to now, Elton?
September 11, 2012 in Uncategorized
Heyneke Meyer has sent Elton Jantjies a very clear message: “There is no space for you in my Bok team” so at the tender age of 22 his rugby career is in danger of stalling and he must be very careful about the decisions he make now.
His contract with the Lions allows him to play Super Rugby for another franchise and the reports are that he has been talking to all the South African franchises but that no decision has yet been made. I’m sure that there would also be some overseas offers on the table. The possibility of another union buying out his contract is also not improbable.
From reports it is also clear that he hasn’t given up hope yet about making it into the Bok side so decisions need to take that ambition into account. Going overseas will have little value, except in monetary terms, as his international future is tied to the Boks after having played in an IRB approved match while on tour as well as having been on the bench during the third test against England.
The fact is, he has to play Super Rugby for one of the South African franchises to have the best chance of playing his way into the Boks side. But which franchise to play for?
Kings (0/10)
Joining a new franchise with little chance of making it out of the nether regions of the log makes little sense. Just as the Lions produced very few Boks in recent years so will the Kings.
Bulls (2/10)
With Morne Steyn the Bulls blue eyed boy the last thing Elton needs is to sit on the bench behind a lesser player. He would also not want to cause family ructions by stepping into the queue ahead of younger brother Tony who have just re-signed with the Bulls.
Cheetahs (3/10)
Apart from the fact that local lad Johan Goosen will get the starting spot the Cheetahs will never be better than bottom half of the log contenders and a move here will do little for his career.
Sharks (5/10)
With Freddie Michilak gone there just might be an opportunity but that will depend on the Sharks plans with Lambie. The talk is that Plumtree wants to use Lambie more at flyhalf next year effectively closing the door on Jantjies moving there.
Stormers (9/10):
The Stormers has made it into the semis or better the last three years only to fall by the wayside when it mattered. Even though they generally have good backline players they cannot seem to get them into an attacking mode during Super Rugby. Their defence-orientated game is in drastic need of an attack component and this is where Jantjies can make a difference. This is probably the best option for Jantjies, both in terms of game time but also into of career-enhancement.
Much as I hate to say this, and not meaning to be disloyal, but if Jantjies can negotiate his way out of his Lions contract he should do that. There is no future for him at the Lions anymore.
powa said on September 12, 2012
smart move for him would be WP
markusaurilius said on September 12, 2012
Compared to Morné’s shit? Then Elton’s smell of roses
GEN DE LA REY said on September 12, 2012
Will be interesting to see what happens.
If it is true what you have found on iol than WP do have some important decisions to make 1.75 mil is a lot of money.
BUT if WP/Stormers are serious about the S15 they need a quality player like him.
If they can dish out 3 mil for Habana then 1.75 mil for a FH.
(although the 3 mil was over 3 years not sure what time is on Jantjies contract. Prob 1.75 per year?)
Catrakilis is a good player but is he S15 material? Alistar hinted that they would have to decide either Jantjies and no Catrakilis or no Jantjies and keep Catrakilis.
If it was me I would sign Jantjies and keep Cantrakilis and the drop the rest. Maybe keep Grant as he can’t be to expensive cause he makes a lot of money in Japan. Lol.
Baylion said on September 12, 2012
The 1.75 mil is speculation and could be to buy him out of his contract. (The Bulls paid Griquas R1 mil at the time to buy Bjorn Basson out)
GEN DE LA REY said on September 12, 2012
Ok so that makes sense. So it is 1.75 mil on top of Jantjies personal pay check.
Still if I were CEO of WP I would do it and sign him on an long term contract. He is only 22 and has a long future ahead of him. And with him not being Boks first choice he will be available most of the season.
Good buy.
GEN DE LA REY said on September 12, 2012
Read on supersport.com that WP has made him and Lions a “big” offer but sounds like they want him for a while.
While the Sharks are willing to let Elton return to the union for their pro/relg match and then if Elton wants stay at the Lions.
With HM screwing us with the Boks this is prob the most exciting thing in SA rugby.
Maybe I am a pesimis but I have a feeling the Sharks might sign him as the Lions will feel a lot beter knowing they might retain his signiture after 2013.
Not sure if that is the smart move for Elton himself.
gillbert said on September 11, 2012
dont worry the bulls wouldnt want him as hes shit any ways.
GEN DE LA REY said on September 12, 2012
Yes and that is why the Bulls really hammered the Lions over the weekend. LOL
But do not think the Bulls will pay up.
They have Steyn (shit but there), Fouche (not much), Pollard and Tony Jantjies.
I have and idea that Pollard may play on the bench behind Steyn next season.
wayne said on September 11, 2012
Could not agree with you more. We would welcome in the Cape. And he will add so much value to the Stormers and WP rugby. Peter Grant only play’s superrugby Jantjies could easily slot in at 10 and yes he just brings that extra momentum on attack and his goal kicks is accurate lately.And I read about Allistar not denying the fact that he wants El;ton when he got askedd the question. I feel for Jantjies cause he never got the chance he deserved. And with the next generation that is being groomed in the Cape he might just fit into the Role of Chief Pivot perfectly. Just Imagine 15. Petersen 14.Aplon 13. De Jongh 12. Brache 10. Jantjies 11. Haban 9. Nick Groom. 8 vermeuen 7. Kolisi 6. Burger 5. Bekker 4. Etzebeth 3. malherbe 2. Ntubeni 1. Kitshof. Than we still have Jean De Villiers, Nick Koster, Eldstadt, duvenage, Grant, JP Du Plessis, Nizaam Car ect. so cape Rugby is full of potential for the next 5 season.