Jantjes injury eases WP’s dilemma

Concerns over fullback Conrad Jantjes’ fitness may turn out to be a blessing in disguise for Western Province as they prepare to challenge the defending champion Sharks at King’s Park on Saturday.

The 24-cap Springbok has not trained this week after tweaking a tender hamstring during a 34-20 reverse against the Cheetahs, and attack coach Robbie Fleck last night told the Cape Argus that it is uncertain whether Jantjes will make the trip to Durban.

Given that Province have had to absorb no less than 17 injuries this season, excluding a contingent of nine Stormers stalwarts who were called up for international duty or who are on club duty overseas, it may seem strange to welcome an addition to the list of crocked players.

However, if Jantjes is ruled out then Lionel Cronje will shift from flyhalf to fullback and fit-again Isma-eel Dollie will reclaim the No 10 jersey.

Dollie is a savvy tactician who can be relied upon to make decisions within the parameters of the game plan while Cronje’s maverick tendencies make him an unpredictable threat to both teams on the field.

The latter boasts a superior kicking range, but a proclivity for playing off the cuff saw Cronje gift momentum to the Cheetahs with a series of unscripted, dinky chips that left WP’s kick-chase exposed.

“All flyhalves are different and play a different game, and that’s been one of our bigger challenges this season,” added Fleck, noting that four different pivots have jogged out in the No 10 jersey this season.

“Gary (Van Aswegen) went down in the first game, then Demetri Catrakilis; we had Isma-eel for two games before he was injured, and Lionel came in against the Cheetahs.

“We need to be fair to the team and start finding some selection consistency.”

The WP attack coach also confirmed that fourth-choice pivot Kurt Coleman is fully recovered from an ankle injury, but “he needs an 80-minuter for the Under-21s” while Catrakilis, who Fleck rates as “one of the best tactical kickers in the country”, could be back in time for next week’s clash with the log-leading Lions at Ellis Park.

A loss against the Sharks will effectively scupper Province’s hopes of sailing into a home semi-final, but Fleck says that he has encouraged his charges to embrace the opportunity.

“We just need to go up there and play some good rugger, there’s no pressure. I want the guys to enjoy themselves.” - Cape Argus