Elton still in business? Nienaber doesn't rule out Springbok game time for fringe pivot

Elton Jantjies back in an actual new Nike Springbok jersey? 

National coach Jacques Nienaber hasn't dismissed the idea of the experienced flyhalf making a previously improbable appearance before the World Cup in France in light of continued uncertainty over the injured Handre Pollard.

The Lions legend, voted Super Rugby's flyhalf of the decade in 2020, was only drafted into the squad following confirmation of Pollard's calf problem and, despite only being the third- or fourth-choice in the position, has been praised by teammates for his influence on training sessions.

While Damian Willemse and Manie Libbok could reasonably be expected to receive the bulk of the remaining game-time before the showpiece tournament, a sudden change in circumstances would mean that Jantjies would require match-fitness, too.

"We always said that Elton was our fourth choice flyhalf. He can become No 3, if Handre doesn’t make it," Nienaber said from the Boks' base in Pretoria, where they are preparing for next Saturday's final Rugby Championship encounter against Argentina at Ellis Park."The key thing is [Damian and Manie] will get the majority of game-time but Elton also needs it. He hasn’t played for a long time.

"We have to try and balance it as much as we can over the next couple of games. I don’t think there are a lot of countries with four flyhalves available."

READ | 'Hopeful' Nienaber wouldn't mind pressing Kolisi and Pollard into World Cup action without a warm-up

Intriguingly, Jantjies could also easily find himself back in the international wilderness if Bok management decides that Willie le Roux's versatility can compensate for a lack of specialist cover in the No 10 jersey.

The mercurial 33-year-old has always been a key cog in the Boks'