Pollard to miss opening Bok Test, Elton Jantjies called up as flyhalf cover

With both Handre Pollard and Damian Willemse currently nursing injuries, Springbok management called up veteran Elton Jantjies as flyhalf cover on Thursday.

READ | Bok captain Kolisi on track with knee injury recovery, but grim news for Frans Steyn

With Pollard and Willemse both undergoing rehabilitation work, the only fit No 10 in the squad is Manie Libbok.

Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber confirmed that Pollard would miss the season's first Test against Australia in Pretoria on 8 July, while Willemse if doubtful, necessitating the need for Jantjies to join the training squad. 

“Damian has a knee injury and will be touch-and-go for the first Test of the season next month while Handre is definitely out," said Nienaber.

"It means Manie is our only fit flyhalf as of today, and we can't go into a Test season without any cover. We weighed up the options available locally and overseas – having tracked all of them throughout the season just completed – and Elton is the next flyhalf in line.

"He knows our thinking and systems inside out and can slot in easily. We kick off against Australia in three weeks, and should Damian Willemse not return to full fitness by then, Elton would be ready to play."  

Jantjies made his Test debut against Australia in Pretoria in 2012 and has been a fixture in Springbok squads for the past six years. He is currently in France and will join the squad in Pretoria on Sunday.