Barrett: Jantjies a very skilful player

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Elton Jantjies against the All Blacks

All Blacks No 10 Beauden Barrett says the Springboks have two good flyhalf options in Elton Jantjies and Handré Pollard.

Jantjies started in the Boks’ 23-18 defeat against Australia this past weekend, while Pollard wore the No 10 jersey in the 32-19 loss to Argentina a fortnight ago.

Bok coach Rassie Erasmus has already indicated his plans to swap the two around for the crunch Test in Wellington, saying: ‘This weekend we’ll probably go with Handré again. We might give Elton the last 20 minutes or so, otherwise we’ll go to the World Cup with one flyhalf we trust.’

Barrett, who was rested against Argentina, is expected to return to the All Blacks lineup on Saturday.

He says it doesn’t matter who gets the nod at No 10 for the Boks, as both Jantjies and Pollard ask questions of the All Blacks’ defensive line.

‘I’m not sure who they’ll play, both are very good options,’ Barrett said. ‘Elton’s a very skilful player. Left-footer, varies his depth. Sometimes he’s deep, sometimes he’s flat at the line. Handré typically likes to run with the ball, flat at the line. He’s quite a good ball-carrier.’

Barrett also explained why there is no room for complacency in the All Blacks camp despite coming up against a Springbok side low on confidence.

‘It’s just about taking our opportunities. Simple as that. We know we have to turn up with the right mentality. We know they will be coming hard every time we play them so we have to be ready to take our opportunities because in Test matches you don’t get many.’

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