Springboks: Pollard OUT! Elton Jantjies closer to Bok return

Rassie Erasmus has confirmed that Handre Pollard is unlikely to play in the Rugby Championship. Elton Jantjies is nearing Springboks return.

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As previously reported on The South African, Pollard has just been ruled out of The Rugby Championship.

This has massive ramifications for the Springboks including Libbok likely being given a huge chance in the starting line-up. Furthermore, Jantjies is now likely to be being given a second chance with the men in green and gold.

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Rassie stated that Pollard is unlikely to play in this seasons Rugby Championship. The incumbent Springboks pivot has re-injured his calf.

“There is a bit of worry over whether Pollard will be able to play in the Rugby Championship,” Erasmus commented, as quoted by Rugby365.com.

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“It’s a calf injury which he re-injured while playing for Leicester. With a re-injury, we are always a bit nervous and that is the reason why we have Elton [Jantjies] here, so that Handre can fully recover and we don’t push him too early,” he added.

Meaning, the Boks will have to select a new flyhalf for their matches against Australia, New Zealand and possibly Argentina.

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LIBBOK TO STEP UP, JANTJIES TO BE GIVEN SECOND CHANCE?

Libbok is the firm favourite to step up into the Springboks number 10 jersey.

His excellent form in the URC has had fans calling for him to be given a real chance. Now, he is almost certain to be given a golden opportunity to start at flyhalf.

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Furthermore, the Stormers pivot has peaked this season. Libbok was the top points scorer in United Rugby Championship for the second season in succession.

He amassed a staggering 217 points this season. He is one of the form players in SA rugby right now. The Stormers flyhalf earned his Bok debut during the end of year tour last year when he came onto the field in the 75th minute against France.

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He will compete with Damian Willemse, last year’s back-up flyhalf and possibly Jantjies. The experienced Bok flyhalf was kicked out of the Springboks last year after rumours emerged of his alleged affair with team dieticien Zeenat Simjee.

However, he could be given a second chance with Pollard now injured. In fact, Jantjies was called up as cover for Pollard and Willemse and now Pollard is injured. Therefore, he could make his return to the Bok squad in this year’s Rugby Championship/

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