Jantjes set to pip Montgomery

2008-09-01 22:53

Stephen Nell

Cape Town - Conrad Jantjes is favoured to start at fullback for Western Province ahead of Percy Montgomery in Saturday's Currie Cup rugby match against the Free State Cheetahs.

The Springboks report for provincial service in Bellville on Tuesday morning and will be available to play for WP in Bloemfontein.

Referring to Jantjes and Montgomery, WP coach Allister Coetzee said: "Conrad is playing very good rugby at the moment. You select guys who are on form.

"It's also nice to have a Bok in your squad who already has more than 100 Tests under his belt."

Coetzee gave his players the day off on Monday, but they will work hard on Tuesday as two practice sessions are scheduled.

Recovering well

The team will also train on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Coetzee and Bok coach Peter de Villiers will meet on Wednesday, but WP already has the go-ahead from the chairperson of the national selection committee, Peter Jooste, to make use of the players.

Coetzee says flyhalf Peter Grant is also recovering well from his recent shoulder operation. If Grant cannot play, it may be an option for Coetzee to play Montgomery at No 10.

This would mean that WP will at least have a recognised place-kicker.

The integration of the Boks shouldn't cause any problems, as they have played for the Stormers.

If Jean de Villiers's form allows him to play, Coetzee will also have to consider the question of the captaincy.

Gcobani Bobo is currently the WP captain, but De Villiers led the side very successfully in the Super14 series.

Coetzee said: "I'll have a chat with both players on Wednesday. Jean is the senior captain and there won't be any problems. It's just important for everyone to be kept informed."

Redeeming feature

Tighthead prop Brock Harris will not yet be fit this week. However, Brian Mujati should be available following his good performance against Australia.

Then there is also JC Kritzinger, whose debut at tighthead prop was a redeeming feature in last weekend's 6-37 defeat against the Blue Bulls.

"JC was outstanding. One wouldn't want to sing his praises too soon, but if a guy can scrum like that on the Bulls' field at the age of 20, it says a lot," said Coetzee.

Coetzee says Fijian Sireli Naqelevuki is looking in good shape. He could, therefore, possibly be picked at wing.

Another option is to play Naqelevuki at outside centre if it is decided to rest De Villiers this week. Naqelevuki has turned in excellent performances for Fiji in the No 13 jersey.

- Die Burger