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'Slaptjips' praises Jantjes
21/01/2007 22:21 - (SA)
Stephen Nell, Die Burger
Cape Town - Former Springbok wing Pieter Rossouw has praised Conrad Jantjes for his contribution in the 64-27 victory the Stormers recorded over Boland in a Super 14 warm-up match in Paarl on Saturday.
Rossouw was among the 15 000 appreciative spectators who braved the heat to watch the match in the Faure Street Stadium.
"The guys played rather well," said Rossouw, who played on the left wing for the Stormers for a number of years.
"Conrad did well on the wing. He has played at fullback for years and appreciates what is expected of a wing. His skills and vision are good."
Jantjes scored an outstanding try after twisting out of two tackles.
"New Zealand players often twist out of the arms of defenders. We seldom see this in South Africa, but Conrad did it very well," said Rossouw.
High praise from coach
"He did very little wrong. He kept the ball alive, his positional play was good and he took the correct options."
Stormers coach Kobus van der Merwe agreed that Jantjes was the big winner on Saturday. "He was outstanding. He never allows the ball to die."
Rossouw believes a back trio of Jantjes, Gio Aplon and Breyton Paulse could be even better than the combination he (Rossouw) shared with Paulse and Percy Montgomery.
"They have the potential to become dangerous. Gio is one of the most dangerous players and Breytie seems eager to play.
"Conrad also understands the concept of the rear triangle. They certainly have much potential," the former Springbok said.
Absolutely brilliant
He also believes Aplon will go a long way.
"He is absolutely brilliant. He has everything - vision, calmness under pressure and the ability to make things happen. He is extremely fast and not afraid to tackle.
"Gio could have played for the Springboks last year. He was much better than players who were selected ahead of him, but it may have been better for the development of his career that he was not included."
Meanwhile, the future of Fijian wing Sireli Naqelevuki at the Stormers will be finalised during the week.
- Die Burger
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