Bok assistant coach Stick stands firm on Jantjies/Pollard axis: We don't have first, second choices

Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick said the interchangeability of Elton Jantjies and Handre Pollard is one of their best advantages they have in their Springbok group.

Jantjies will be playing in his 43rd Test when he rocks up against Wales on Saturday at Loftus Versfeld in Tshwane.

It will also be his 26th start in a Bok Test and having been with the Springboks longer from a preparation perspective ahead of the series, Stick said it was prudent they started with him.

Pollard joined the Bok camp on Sunday after completing a successful French Top 14 conquest with Montpellier.

Stick said they don't have a first choice/second choice scenario when it comes to selecting one of the two playmakers.

"Elton is aligned with what we want to achieve in terms of how we want to play the game, especially on attack and our kicking game," Stick said.

"Elton is the person who had more time in the training saddle, but for us, we don't have first or second choices regarding him and Handre.

"They are key players and even if Elton would wake up sick, we wouldn't hesitate to pick Handre and the opposite would be applicable.

"Both didn't play a lot of rugby this year, so they're not far from each other in terms of match-readiness, but since Elton was here earlier, it was fair for us to give him a go.

"We know his leadership skills and they're proven. He was a key player for the Lions when they were very strong in Super Rugby."

The Springbok attacking game has come in for consistent scrutiny, but with the high strike rate of wingers Makazole Mapimpi and Cheslin Kolbe, Stick said he found the criticism to be unwarranted at times.

"Our wings have been in business. We've got a guy like Makazole Mapimpi who has been scoring tries regularly," Stick